the great
"Jesus told him: 'I AM.' " —John 14:6
Jesus wants us to fix our eyes on Him (see Heb 3:1, 12:2), but we are distracted from Jesus, especially by our troubles and insecurity. Therefore, Jesus commands us: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me" (Jn 14:1).
In addition to being troubled, we also feel insecure and sometimes "out of place." We want job security, "social security," and financial security. We want to be assured of a place in our society and a place in heaven. Jesus tells us not to worry about establishing a place for ourselves. He will prepare a place for us (Jn 14:2).
Although Jesus tried to redirect the apostles' attention from their troubles and status (place), Thomas was still distracted. He was more concerned about where Jesus was going than that He was going. Jesus tried to regain Thomas' attention by saying: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6).
Jesus constantly does this. If you're worried about money or food, He says: "I Myself am the Bread" (Jn 6:35). If you are thinking of marriage, Jesus tells you He is the Bridegroom (Mk 2:19). If you are sick, Jesus is the Doctor (Mk 2:17). If you are afraid of death, He says: "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn 11:25).
When we ask "Who?," "What?," "Where?," "When?," or "Why?," Jesus answers: "I AM" (see Jn 8:58).
Prayer: Jesus, "as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, as the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes" on You till You have pity on us (Ps 123:2).
Promise: "These are His witnesses now before the people." —Acts 13:30
Praise: Feeling overwhelmed by responsibility and distress, Josh receives the deepest peace just sitting in the Presence of God in His Most Blessed Sacrament.
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 3, 2008
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