Gospel: John 14: 1-6
In the parable of the Prodigal Son we find two brothers, both sinners in different ways, both assured by their father that a dwelling place exists for them in his house always. We might see in these two brothers representatives of two traditions - the older Jewish tradition and the younger Christian tradition. Each has a place in the Father's house, and with many more dwelling places besides!
For in today's reading Jesus assures us that God's dwelling place has many rooms and that Jesus has prepared a place for us, not the place. We are invited guests, not the owners of the house. Many others besides will find a place in God's house. Jesus who is the Way, Truth, and Life will find paths for others to God's house in ways known only to him. It is for us to accept our invitation and to welcome others also invited. It is not for us to sit on the porch and act as bouncers.
Throughout the Gospels Jesus has showed us the way to the Father's house. It is to accept the mercy of God offered to us and to extend mercy to others in the way it was extended to us. That is the entire road test that leads to God's house. It is a road open to all, for the toll has been paid. We have only to take this way of mercy home.
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