Having a relationship with Jesus is having a relationship with the Father

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

“Sometimes being lost is the best way to find yourself” — L.J. Vanier.

Jesus promises: “I am going to prepare a place for you … so that where I am you also may be.”

When Thomas questions him, declaring: “We do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” then Jesus opens up the mystery.

He first explains: “I am the way.”

Then he reveals that “where” is not so much a “place” as it is a “relationship” with and through him.

He talks about knowing, seeing, being “in” relationship, dwelling: “If you know me, then you will also know my Father”; “From now on you do know Him and have seen him”; “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father”; “I am in the Father and the Father is in me“; “the Father who dwells in me.”

Jesus describes the “place” where he is going to take his disciples is not a “location” but a “relationship.” “Where” we will go is into a place of being with him and with God our Father.

The big revelation is that having a relationship with Jesus is having a relationship with the Father. Both are one. In this way we begin to really grasp his answer to Thomas: “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

All of these are true. It is relationship with Jesus that brings us into relationship with the Father — he is the way.

Therefore, all that Jesus teaches us both by word and example is the truth by which a true Christian lives — he is the truth.

Living this truth of Jesus gives us life now.

And it gives us life eternal — he is the life.

Father Perry D. Leiker is the 14th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at perry.leiker@gmail.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.