One of the more pervasive tropes in comedy is the man who will not ask directions. Like all tropes, to say nothing of cliches, it has kernel of truth. There are all sorts of men who feel their essential masculinity is called into question if they ask directions, I have never understood how getting and staying lost is masculine but I may be missing something too subtle for me. If we expand it to asking questions this becomes more universal. Very few of us like to admit our ignorance.
In our Gospel lesson for today, we have two of Jesus’ followers asking questions. First Thomas asks, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (John 14:5 NRSV) and then Philip says, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” These questions don’t mean much without their context so I encourage you to read the relatively short passage, John 14:1-14, click the reference to see it right away. The point is not simply that these questions are asked but rather that then are then answered. Jesus responds to what they need to know without belittling or humiliating them. Jesus makes it obvious here, and in other places, that it is okay to ask questions; to admit ignorance.
From this beginning about questions we end up covering some reasons for confidence in the doctrine of the Trinity as well what it means to see the Father. I think you will like them. There are even a few reminiscences about my mother and a youth chamber choir she conducted.
Knox Presbyterian What’s the way again? (to download, right click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
St. Mark’s Presbyterian What’s the way again? (to download, right click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
Blessings,
Leave a Reply