In our first reading today, we hear of Saint Paul's journey to Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:26-33) and witnessed his preaching in the synagogue. This is a biblical example the Kerygma (i.e. the apostolic proclamation of salvation through Jesus Christ). Saint Paul taught them that salvation is received through Jesus Christ. It's interesting that Paul appeals to their history, and the truth that their history ultimately arrives at Jesus Christ.
In our own day, we who are disciples of Jesus Christ have inherited that great responsibility of perpetuating the Kerygma. We're called to deliver the good news to everyone that Jesus Christ is Lord and offers each one of us the gift of salvation from sin and eternal death. As Saint Paul rightly taught the Jews and others that the history of their people arrives at Jesus Christ, so also are we called to assist others in realizing with joy that Jesus is the fulfillment of their own personal history, and that Jesus was there all along in the ebbs and flows of every human journey.
In our Gospel passage (Jn. 14:1-6), we witness Jesus speaking to his disciples at the last supper. It would be a while before his disciples would be able to sit at supper with the Lord again. It wouldn't happen until after he suffered, died, and rose again from the dead. In this particular pericope (i.e. a selection from the Bible), Jesus tells his disciples: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me... I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you also may be."
May our Lord's words be of consolation to us. Our so-called "Last Supper" publicly as a worshipping community was over a month ago. As the disciples were suddenly separated from our Lord which was a jarring experience to say the least, perhaps we may feel a similar sentiment. But as the Lord gathered his disciples together again just as he said, it is certain that our Lord will do the same for us. Jesus will gather us again as a community of believers. May that day come soon.
Eustache Le Sueur's "The Preaching of Saint Paul at Ephesus" [Wikipedia]
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