Dwelling

Sunday’s Gospel is a passage from John that is often read at the Burial Office. Jesus’ comments about mansions is offered as consolation for those who mourn. It reminds them that death isn’t the end, but that something else awaits.

But, Robert Gundry, a theologian, suggests that Jesus’ comment about many mansions isn’t about” rooms up in heaven.” For Gundry, the crucial clue is that Jesus never promises that upon his return he will take the disciples away to the dwellings. What he did promise was that “Where I am, you will be also.” I think he’s on to something. The point of the saying really ends up being how God makes a home with us. The passage isn’t about mansions in the sky, but about the spiritual relationship we have with Christ. “I am the vine, you are the branches” he says to his friends. You dwell in me. It’s not about some future dwelling—it’s about where we dwell now.

More important for John than up-ness is the in-ness and one-ness Jesus wants us to experience already with God—the same in-ness and oneness that Jesus experienced with God. This passage’s focus is on the rich relationship of mutual in-dwelling that is eternal life already begun for us. God dwells with us now in the mystical communion through the Spirit and we dwell in God.

In Homing in the Presence, Gerhard Frost tells this story. “One day as I walked down the airport ramp to board a plane, a family of four was in front of me. The older child appeared to be about four and her every step was a bounce. She radiated expectancy and joy. Her father looked down at her and asked, “Where are we going?” “To Grandma’s!” she shouted. She didn’t say Jackson or Nashville or Atlanta, but to Grandma’s. As far as she was concerned, she was going to a person—the place didn’t matter. She was an eloquent witness to the fact that we home in on those who love us, in people more than places.”

So too with the many rooms of John 14. What matters is not where the rooms are geographically, but whose rooms they are. “We are going to God’s.” Our home is with God, John tells us. The passage is about assurance that Jesus has made it possible for us to be with God. At least that’s how I see it.

Peace

Jerry+