“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

These words of Jesus come at a moment of uncertainty. The disciples are troubled. They sense that something is about to change. Into that anxiety, Jesus speaks not simply an answer, but himself. He does not say he knows the way. He says he is the way. And then he adds something even more surprising: “Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do” (John 14:12). At first hearing, this can sound almost shocking. How could anyone do greater works than Christ? He heals the sick, forgives sins, raises the dead. He is the Word made flesh.

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Yet Jesus is not comparing achievements. He is revealing a mystery. His work will not end with his ascension. It will continue, and even expand, through those who believe in him. During his earthly life, Jesus remained in one place at a time. He spoke to those who stood before him. But after his resurrection, his presence is no longer limited. Through the Church, through the sacraments, through the lives of believers, his work reaches every corner of the world. We can see this in history. Hospitals, schools, care for the poor and the vulnerable, the growth of learning, the defence of human dignity – all these have been shaped, in countless ways, by the influence of Christ and those who follow him. Even when imperfect, even when mixed with human weakness, the mark of Christ is there.

This does not mean that Christians are better than others. Nor does it mean that everything done in the name of Christ is good. The Church has known failure as well as faithfulness. But Jesus never promised that his followers would be sinless. He promised that they would share in his mission. Think of the saints. Consider St John Paul II, who travelled the world, speaking of human dignity and hope. Or St Teresa of Calcutta, who served the poorest of the poor with quiet faith. Their lives show what it means for Christ to continue his work in his people. Jesus also says: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). These words are often heard at funerals, when grief is real and raw. Faith does not remove sorrow. It does not deny death. But it gives us a way to face them.

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Some have claimed that belief in heaven is simply wishful thinking. Yet the witness of the saints and martyrs tells a different story. They do not cling to life in fear. They offer their lives in trust. Their hope is not an escape from reality, but a deeper engagement with it. In moments of suffering or doubt, people do not turn away from meaning. They search for it. They pray. They seek light in darkness. Faith does not silence questions, but it gives us the courage to ask them. To follow Christ is to walk a path. It is not always easy. There are failures, distractions, and setbacks. Yet a path leads somewhere. If we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the truth will guide us and his life will sustain us. Christ is not a figure of the past. He is alive. He is at work – in the Church, in the world, and in each of us.

And through us, he will do greater works.