Today, Jesus continues his Farewell Discourse. He has been urging his apostles not to allow his coming departure to trouble their hearts. He has told them that he will come back for them and bring them to his Father’s house where there are rooms enough for all. He himself will prepare a place for them at his Father’s house, where they will remain with him forever. He has promised them that while he is separated from them they will do even greater works than he himself has done, and he has assured them that he will give to them anything they ask of him in his name.
The other apostle named Judas, not the traitor, is curious about Jesus’ final manifestation at the end of time. He asks, “Why is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus does not answer his question. Instead he speaks of how he will reveal himself to believers who will be in this world during the years between his departure and his return. Jesus explains that he and his Father will come to anyone who loves him, who is therefore true to his word … he explains that he and his Father will come to that person and will make their dwelling place in him.
God’s dwelling in us is a profound mystery. It refers to a continuous presence of the Lord and his Father within us, a loving response to our love for them. The Holy Spirit, too, dwells within us, instructing us in everything, and reminding us of all that Jesus has taught us.
The effects of this indwelling will be evident to anyone who looks on us. For it will allow us to listen to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and it will enable us to live our lives in accordance with God’s values, even though such a life be totally other oriented and profoundly counter-cultural.
