FAITH IN JESUS
Besides listening to Jesus’ words, one should have faith in God who sent Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). Faith in Jesus and his Father is essential to inherit eternal life. Baptism, reception of the Holy Eucharist, and keeping the commandments of God make one eligible for eternal life while alive in the present world. John presents the attainment of eternal life for the readers as his purpose for documenting his gospel and letters. “I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 Jn 5:13).
Jesus assured his disciples in his farewell speech, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be” (Jn 14:1-3).