Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
Philip said to [Jesus], “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?”
Today, Jesus tells his disciples that they will also know his Father if they know him. Philip then asks Jesus to show them the Father and says that if Jesus shows them his Father, they will believe in what he is saying. Jesus was deeply disappointed in Philip and his need for proof. Despite having been with him for a long time, he did not wholly believe and trust Jesus. Philip wanted proof. What would it take for them to believe and trust who he was?
To believe without proof is difficult for most. We cannot see God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. However, Jesus desires us to believe and trust him without seeing him. We can choose to believe in Jesus and trust in his love and care for us, or we can wander through life without an anchor, without anyone greater than ourselves in which to believe. How often do we ask Jesus for proof? At times, do we not—like Philip—ask Jesus to send us a clear sign that he is with us? We tell Jesus that If we receive a further sign, we will know that he cares.
Each Eucharist is a stark reminder of the depth of Jesus’ love for us. What more could Jesus do or give to convince us that he is truly the way, the truth, and the path to genuine life? Could he possibly do more to convince us that his word is true, that his care is authentic, that he is our best friend?
Let Us Pray:
O Jesus, grace me with the gifts of trust and hope in you. May I trust you completely to give me all that I need.