Friday
of the Fourth Week of Easter
(Acts
13:26-33; John 14:1-6)
Christians
have been buried with their corpses facing East for centuries. Two reasons recommend this arrangement. First, as today’s gospel says, Jesus has
promised to return and bring them to the house of his Father. Second, associated with the rising sun, he is
thought to be coming from that direction.
Although the Church does not require burial with head directed eastward,
the posture expresses faith in Jesus’ words.
In today’s
gospel, Jesus also tells his disciples not to be afraid. He is especially concerned that they do not
fear death. Even though death halts
worldly existence, Jesus indicates that it is not the absolute end. Rather he assures them that the Father has
prepared a new life for them in his celestial home. They have only to continue practicing what he
has taught.
We know that following Jesus’ directives sometimes results in difficulties. Telling the truth may mean jeopardizing our material welfare. Turning the other cheek may mean our total loss of face in the community. Nevertheless, we follow Jesus not only because of the eternal destiny that he promises. We do so as well because of the more immediate benefits he provides. He uplifts our spirits through the gospel. And he supports us morally with his presence in the Church.
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