I am the Way, the Truth and the Life

by Fr. Jerome Cayetano  |  05/03/2026  |  The WORD in other words

In last Sunday's of readings, we reflected one of the most beautiful descriptions of Jesus being the Good Shepherd. We Catholics have many titles to address Jesus and these are embedded in our devotions to honor Him like the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Diving Mercy, the Black Nazarene (famous in the Philippines), The Holy Child, the Redeemer and Christ the King.

St. Arnold Janssen, the founder of the Society of the Divine Word, the religious Missionary congregation where I came from before joining the Diocese of Phoenix, had given his spiritual sons and daughter a title, spirituality and a mission based on the Prologue of St. John’s Gospel - Jesus as the Divine Word. We are commonly called Divine Word Missionaries. Indeed, Jesus is the Divine Word of God. In today's gospel, Jesus has claimed himself as "the Way, the Truth and the Life," which aptly and rightfully describes Him. This is another title which we must consider in addressing him in our prayers.

One of the characteristics of Jesus as a teacher is to give assurance to his disciples. Today He has assured us with these awe inspiring words: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and I prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way." (Jn 14:2-4) Certainly our life is full of troubles, problems, difficulties, issues and concerns which often beset and shake our faith and even our relationship with God. Jesus has asked us to have faith in God and to have faith in Him. He simply means that we have to put our total trust in God, for he is a faithful God, and He will never abandon us. His utmost desire is to have all of us in His fold, in His house in heaven. He doesn't want not even one to be completely lost. He wants all of us to be happy with Him in heaven.

He says: "I am the Way..." Certainly He, and nobody else, is the only way to the Father which we must know and be conscious of everyday.

"I am the Truth..." Jesus speaks the truth. His truth is revealed in the BIBLE, that is, the Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth. Knowing all his teachings by heart, following and living them would certainly assure the truth which would not lead to error and would make us free. "I am the Life..." Jesus came into the world, not only to provide us "life," but "eternal life", a life of grace and blessing, a life that is united with Him and God. This life is already within our grasp when we worthily receive the body and blood of Christ in communion in the Holy Eucharist. Another truth that Jesus reveals to us today is that, He is the image of the Father. "If you know me, then you will know my Father. From now on you know Him and have seen Him." (Jn 14:7) Philip said to him: "Master, show us the Father.” There is always an innate desire in us to see the Father. But Jesus has assured us that He is the image of the Father and the Father is in Him when He says: "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father...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." To me, divine indwelling is the paramount expression of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Thus, today's Gospel reading must inspire, convict and challenge us, first, to have faith in God, in Jesus and most of all to trust in Him. Second, to be convinced that Jesus is the only way to the Father. He speaks the Truth. And that He alone can give us eternal life. Thus, we must be drawn to Him at all times so that He will be drawn to us as well. He is the living sacrament of the Father, a revelation of God's unfathomable love. Thus, we must possess Him at all cost. Third, we must try our best not to be separated from Him, for I believe the greatest tragedy that might happen would be separation from Him in eternity. Let us use all the avenues that strengthen our relationship with Jesus: personal and communal prayers and worship, constant meditation and reflection of God's Word, frequent reception of the sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation and Communion, doing charity and His mission.

One item of good news: Rick Maner will soon report to work. God has been so gracious to him. I believe, He has completely healed him. Welcome back Rick! Remember, we need you in the parish! Let us thank the many people who step up in working at the office in his absence. Welcome back Rick!