A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
“Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”
In today’s Gospel Jesus powerfully makes clear his identity and mission. He is the Son of God, and he is one with the Father. As the Messiah, he has come to save the world. Those who believe in him will be able to do the same works that he does and even greater works. As Saint Paul says of Jesus, quoting Isaiah: “Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.” God invites me to follow him. With what degree of faith do I respond to that call? “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” Jesus says. “You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”
Father in heaven, Jesus your Son calls me into the peace of knowing that he is the way, the truth, and the life. “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,” Jesus tells the disciples, “or else, believe because of the works themselves.” He is, as Saint Paul says, the one who calls me out of darkness into his wonderful light. Help me strive to trust that in him there is no deception and that through your mercy, Jesus will prepare a place for me and take me to himself.
From the responsorial psalm, we pray: “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” Stay with me today, Lord!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.