Gospel for May 3 2026 – John 14:1-12
Gospel Reflections for May 3 2026
Archaeology tells a different story…
Today’s Gospel is probably proclaimed more often than any other, mainly because families often choose it …at funerals.
When Jesus mentions that In my Father’s House there are many mansions and that I am preparing a place for you and then I will come back and take you to myself …people today hear that as a message about going to your final home in heaven.
Archaeology tells a different story, for it is actually about …a wedding! In those days, a groom would first prepare his house to receive his bride. On the wedding day, he would walk across the village to her house and escort her back through the streets and into his own house. That was the entire wedding ceremony! Of course, a big reception would follow …and for several days too!
The main Bible image for our relationship with God is also a marriage. After all, the Bible starts with a marriage of Adam and Eve, and ends with a marriage feast in the Book of Revelation. In the Bible, God is the Groom, and the Church is the Bride.
So just how do we relate to God? …as a loving spouse! Our behavior should be loyal, loving, committed, faithful, honest, sincere, and always helpful. Happy couples live that way no matter where they are, no matter when, and no matter what is going on.
This Gospel is not about the end of life, but the very beginning of your love for the Lord.
Next week is Mother’s Day, and remembers the very beginning of your life with your mother. No matter how things turned out later, that is your very first relationship. Your mother loved and cared for you when you were completely helpless as a newborn baby and long before you could do anything in return.
Next Sunday is the day you can return that love in special ways, in words of affection for those mothers still with us, or prayers for those who have passed on.
Love is entirely about sincerely doing good for another, for helping others be the person God calls them to be. You hear that love in the central words of the Mass every Sunday, “This is my Body and Blood …given for you!” Let us offer that self-giving love especially today and especially in marriages and families.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Thank you for this wonderful gospel explanation!
I immediately thought of a deacon at our church, St. Jude’s, who lost his wife to cancer. At her funeral Mass he spoke about their earlier years when they were falling in love. He said that she asked him if he would help her get to heaven.
I thought that was remarkable!
He lived a few more years, and then joined her.
God bless.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Thank you Fr. Dave,… a great reminder of our commitments to each
other in marriage!