May 3, 2026 Mother Forfa
/Once again, thank you all for having me today, and I hope your rector is having a marvelous birthday and a marvelous run. He told me that the place where he is running in New Mexico holds a very special place in his heart, so please keep him in your prayers today.
As happy as I am to be with you, I did groan a little when I read the readings for today. Historically, the passage from John is usually read at funerals, and I thought, “Oh, is this an omen? I hope not.” I also didn’t want to touch the stoning of Stephen—that wouldn’t be the best choice when standing in for someone else—so the gospel it is.
As I was preparing, I began to wonder why this passage isn’t called “Doubting Thomas 2.” Thomas seems to constantly question—either Jesus directly or others about Jesus. He struggles to believe without concrete proof or a long explanation. One commentary I read described Thomas as the “Eeyore” of the Bible. I like that image. From now on, I’ll always picture him as the pessimistic, droopy‑eared disciple.
But without Thomas, would Jesus’ words have the same power for us? Thomas wanted something tangible, just as he once wanted to touch Jesus’ hands and side. Without his questions, our own faith might not be as strong. I’ve come to think of Thomas not as the doubter but as the disciple who asks the hard questions we all need answered to strengthen our faith.
Today, Thomas asks Jesus, “How can we know the way?” Jesus doesn’t scold him but patiently provides an answer that is foundational to Christian faith: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Where have we heard that “I am” language before? Moses and the burning bush. And now we hear Jesus echo it in the New Testament. We don’t know how Thomas reacted, but Philip wanted more—he wanted to be shown. You can almost hear Jesus’ exasperation: “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?” I can imagine Him saying, “Really, Philip? All this time and you’re still asking these questions?”
Although it’s not written in the passage, I imagine Jesus continuing, “Let me repeat it: I am in the Father, and the Father is in me. If you have seen me, you have seen the Father, the Creator, the source of all things. Believe me and believe in me.”
I often wonder if Philip was satisfied with that answer. So many powerful yet veiled statements—it makes me pause and ask, Which disciple would I be? I think I’d probably just stand there with my mouth open.
Think about times when you’ve had doubts or wanted to ask more questions. If Jesus were standing right here, what would you ask Him?
John’s Gospel is some of the most complex theology in the Bible, and this passage has seen countless interpretations. Yet Jesus’ words continue to bring comfort and hope. We don’t have to worry about what comes next; He has already taken care of that. What we need to focus on is how, in this life, we choose to be followers. Do we need proof, or can we accept Jesus’ words and let Him guide us?
Each of us has our own answer to that question—and sometimes it changes. Here’s what occurred to me: Jesus’ words are comforting, and if we think of them like a formula, it looks like this—God is in Jesus, Jesus is in us, therefore God is in us. What we do with that truth defines our relationship with Him.
When we act with love and do the work of discipleship, we become whole. Accepting and embracing that relationship means there is a place for us with the Creator and the Son in everlasting life. There are many dwellings in the eternal mansion—one with each of our names on it.
Maybe it’s good that we read this today, not at a funeral, because this passage isn’t just about death; it’s about life. It reminds us that we can live now with the assurance that we are dwelling with God, both now and always. That’s why our hearts need not be troubled.
Once again, Jesus tells us there is one truth—God’s truth. During the crucifixion story, Pilate asked Jesus about truth, and today Jesus reiterates: He is the truth. Are we listening for that truth today? In a world filled with competing voices that often encourage fear, are we listening for Christ’s voice alone?
And what does “the way” look like for you?
If you’re not sure, there are resources to help. One I love, also embraced by our bishops, is The Way of Love, introduced by former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. It’s based on seven practices that help guide and nurture our faith:
Turn: Pause, listen, and choose to follow Jesus.
Learn: Reflect on scripture every day.
Pray: Dwell intentionally with God.
Worship: Gather in community to thank, praise, and dwell with God.
Bless: Share your faith, give, and serve unselfishly.
Go: Cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus.
Rest: Receive God’s grace, peace, and restoration.
Yes, we will all have doubts and moments when discipleship feels difficult or impossible, but we can rest knowing that God in Christ dwells within each of us and that we are loved. And when this life is through, we will dwell in the place already prepared for us.
Let us pray:
Risen Christ, you prepare a place for us in the home of the Father of us all. Draw us more deeply into yourself—through scripture read, water splashed, bread broken, and wine poured—so that when our hearts are troubled, we may know you more completely as the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.