As I write, it’s the celebration of Route 66’s 100th
anniversary.
Founded on November 11, 1926,
US 66 stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. During the 1930s Dust
Bowl, it served as a key migration route and boosted local businesses. Signs
and advertising from 1927 made travel easy.
Thomas's question to Jesus,
“How can we know the way?” reflected his desire to better grasp Jesus’
teachings and understand how to follow them.
Just as travelers once relied
on Route 66 to guide them west, we rely on spiritual guidance to navigate our
own journeys—sometimes finding the path less clear as traditions change or
challenges arise.
Upon reflection of my
personal faith journey with Jesus, I have considered this question throughout
my spiritual development and transitions between churches.
“How can we know the way?”
Initially, the solutions
appear straightforward: examine the Scriptures and follow Jesus’ example in
demonstrating love for God and others.
However, it becomes clear
that the journey began when Thomas—and all of us—made the decision to follow
Jesus.
Comprehending the Way is
rooted in Jesus's promise to remain with Thomas—and all of us—when we place our
trust in his word and sustain our relationship with God.
Recognizing the Way involves
acting in alignment with God's intentions, motivating others to seek wisdom
that transcends conventional traditions.
Route 66 ended in Santa Monica, but Knowing the Way
continues eternally.
