https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042724.cfm
Seeing the Father
If we throw a pebble in a pond, we see the ripples, and the pond is calm again after some time. Ah! Then, we can see underneath the surface, maybe even to the bottom of the pond. Notice that Jesus was surprised Phillip did not know or see His Father in Him.
Phillip was probably confused, too, because he thought he knew Jesus, but did he? He had not yet experienced the depth of Jesus’s love for him. Before Jesus suffered, died, and rose, the disciples could not give their life for Jesus.
When they arrested Jesus, the disciples vanished, hiding for fear of knowing Jesus. We know that changed at Pentecost, and all but St. John died a martyr. So, what is the difference before and after Pentecost?
Their tears of abandoning Jesus were the ripples on the pond’s surface. When their tears cleared, they could see the depth of Jesus’ merciful love for them when they abandoned Him. For the first time in their lives, they could think, breathe, and live not for themselves but for Jesus.
They wanted to love each other as Jesus loved them, with mercy, tenderness, and a listening heart. They longed to be in communion with someone, whatever anyone did or did not do to them. Then it happened. They knew then that the Father of Jesus was their Father and Father of everyone.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled,” my friends. Forgiveness and mercy towards another person make our hearts more like the heart of Jesus than anything else we could do.
Gospel Challenge:
Let us pray for greater sorrow for our sins and that the merciful outpouring of God’s Love, the Holy Spirit, will broaden our hearts to love everyone with our Heavenly Father, whatever the cost.
I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me.
Love One Another!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
