[H]old fast to the word I preached to you. // 1 Corinthians 15:2
Saint Paul reminds us today to hold fast to the Word of God. There are certain Scripture verses that make deep roots in our hearts and can especially sustain us through suffering. When it feels like we are drowning or trapped or stuck or hurt or misunderstood or completely exhausted, the Word of God can become an incredible source of strength and consolation.
Jesus’ words to Saint Thomas in today’s Gospel have been a deep source of grace for me throughout many years: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Jesus has reminded me of His words countless times in prayer and continues to deepen the layers of wisdom within. I often ask Christ to show me the way, reveal the truth, and bring new life.
This Gospel passage is proclaimed every year on this Feast of Saints Philip and James; today is also my birthday and I am grateful to receive this annual reminder and hold fast to Him as my way, truth, and life.
This scripture verse is also the inspiration for one of my favorite hymns, "The Call." Ralph Vaughan William composed this hymn to accompany this beautiful poem by George Herbert. The hymn begins with these words:
Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
Such a way as gives us breath;
Such a truth as ends all strife;
Such a life as killeth death.
What a consolation to know that Jesus’ way gives us breath, His truth ends all strife, and His life kills death! If you feel like you are drowning today, receive His life! If you are amid strife, receive His truth. If you are surrounded by death, receive His life! Let Jesus be your way, truth, and life.
Receive His life. // Rose Coleman Click to tweet
Rose Coleman is an elementary school teacher with a heart for pilgrimage. She traveled the globe on a ship during college and spent some years in the convent as a religious sister. She was a contributing author to All She Had, Blessed Conversations: Rooted, and our children’s devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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