"Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.
John 14:1–6 (RSV)
The hosannas have faded along with the crowds who shouted them. Jesus has washed the disciples' feet. Judas has departed to betray Jesus to the priests and Pharisees. The Commandment to love one another has given. A confused St. Peter hears the prediction that within a few hours, he will deny Jesus three times.
The past five days have been a whirlwind of excitement, promises, confusion, and rising fears. The rejoicing of Sunday was gone so quickly, replaced with words of suffering, betrayal, denial, and a bloody Cross. It is no wonder that His disciples are uncertain what lies ahead of them.
All that has taken place and foretold will take place, leaves hearts troubled. Jesus speaks words of compassion to the disciples. Yes, He is going away from them for a time. He will prepare a place for them, a place of such abundance of love and mercy the heart will barely imagine. Hopes and dreams are raised beyond anything that has come to them. It is coming to them as Jesus will come to them when all things are ready.
St. Thomas longs to know, to know the where and when. How, Jesus, will we know? How will we know when the troubles of our hearts will be no more. How will we know, how will we know?
Hearts keep the long hours of the night, wondering what the dawn will bring for the one they love. Eyes gaze at the phone, anticipating a call and praying that it never comes. A chapter of the family book is about to close. Children will become the ties to the family past, for they are now the ones to carry the family stories forward.
Prayers turn from pleas for healing to seeking the last hour, the final breath, the end of illness, and the challenges of age. Waiting is what remains. Faith holds to Jesus' words, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.'
We wait for the ending of hours for a life. We rest in Jesus, who is our way to Life. We know this, for He has promised, and His word is the only truth, the only way to the Father. Sleep, Mom, sleep in the Lord, and may your eyes open to behold the Savior.