Fifth Sunday of Easter

As Jesus’ departure approaches, he begins to instruct them on the profound connection that they will enjoy with Jesus and the Father after his departure in the flesh. Jesus is the church’s connection to God the Father. Thomas’ and Philip’s questions both have the same answer: Jesus himself. The way to the Father, and even the Father himself, is to be found in Jesus. Thus, the church’s abiding hope: That Christ’s identity with God welcomes them into eternal life. Through this connection, even the power of God to work miracles is available to his church while on earth.

The preacher should focus on the immanence of the church’s connection with Christ. Jesus is not talking about a far off and delayed hope, but rather an immediately available source of intimacy with God himself. Christ, being God and Man is the bridge which welcomes human beings into the life of God. This is more than a future hope, but a present source of comfort and power.