May 03, 2021

Sts. Philip and James

Jn 14: 6-14 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.

Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Grace transforms

As we read the scripture today, we are struck by Philip's statement that the disciples need Jesus to show them the Father to believe. Given that Phillip was present for so many miracles, including the feeding of the five thousand, we wonder how he could still doubt Jesus after such a life changing event. We can relate to Philip wanting more proof and certainty-- we often find ourselves asking God for greater certainty, too! Jesus continues to love his disciples and teaches them even more, calling their attention to the works that he has done through the Father.  Jesus calls the disciples to do the works of the Father as well. We, too, have been impacted by grace that has changed our lives. How will we respond? Let us imagine Jesus looking upon us, even in our uncertainty and doubt, reminding us of our experiences of connectedness with God and inviting us to rest in his love. Let us imagine Jesus calling us to do his works in our ordinary lives.

What do you want to say to God after experiencing grace in your own life?

—Katie and Ruston Broussard.  Katie illustrates children's books, including Audacious Ignatius, and Ruston is the math department chair at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.

 

Prayer

Grant me, O Lord, to see everything now with new eyes,
to discern and test the spirits
that help me read the signs of the times,
to relish the things that are yours, and to communicate them to others.
Give me the clarity of understanding that you gave Ignatius.

—Pedro Arrupe, SJ

 

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