Fifth Sunday in Easter – May 18, 2014

The Way, the Truth and the Life

This famous phrase of Jesus can confuse and enlighten, for each noun in it has flexibility. The Way can refer to Jesus himself as the conduit to the Father or to the spiritual journey of the Christian. The Truth can refer to the words the Lord spoke or to the faithful relationship he has with the Father and with his followers. The Life can refer to grace, God's presence, or to Christian lifestyle. No matter how we use the phrase, Jesus remains central to its meaning. Without him, we would have no way, no truth or no life to speak of.

WEEKLY BLOG Who tells you the truth?

MP3 PODCAST In this week's audio podcast, we consider the analogy of a door, a gateway that can be elegant in itself and a way into another environment. As “the Way, the Truth and the Life,” Jesus demanded attention and acted as the conduit to the Father.

FIRST READING In Acts 6, the narrative described the beginning of a service ministry, the Diaconate.

PSALM Psalm 33 praised God for his powerful presence in life.

SECOND READING The author of 1 Peter emphasized the communal nature of Christian life, calling disciples “living stones” of a spiritual home.

GOSPEL In John 14, Jesus told his followers he was “the Way, the Truth and the Life.” He was the true way to the Father because he offered divine life.

CHILDREN'S READINGS In the story for the first reading, David needed help with his homework. He received that help with a tutor. The Apostles needed help feeding the needy and received that help when they ordained the first deacons, servants of the community. In the story for the gospel, Maria pouted at her own First Communion party because of a lie her cousin told her. But, her mother comforted her with the truth. And with love. The Father sent Jesus into the world with divine truth. And divine love.

CATECHISM LINK In this week's Catechism Link, we consider the Theological Virtues of faith, hope and love.

FAMILY ACTIVITY Set up a maze for family members. Name the way of the maze “Jesus” and the goal of the journey “God the Father.” Use this course to spark a discussion about Jesus as “the Way, the Truth and the Life.”