John 14:7-14

Acts 13:44-52

Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

John 14:7-14

Jesus said to his disciples:

“If you know me, then you will also know my Father.

From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

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?

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 speak to you I do not speak on my own.

The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.

Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,

or else, believe because of the works themselves.

Amen, amen, I say to you,

whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,

and will do greater ones than these,

because I am going to the Father.

And whatever you ask in my name, I will do,

so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, my deepest desire is eternal communion with you. I long to see your face and enjoy your blessedness. Guide me on my journey to you and empower me to accomplish the greater works your Son has revealed. Glorify your name!

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Face of God the Father: During the Last Supper, Philip makes a legitimate request, “Show us the Father.” His request was reminiscent of the request of Moses, who asked to see the Glory of the Lord (Exodus 33:18). During his earthly life, Moses went from talking with God “face-to-face,” to only being permitted to see the backside of God’s glory (Exodus 33:23). This change in relation is connected to his intercession and self-offering for the sinful people of Israel. In a mysterious way, however, Moses was permitted to see the glory of God at Jesus’ Transfiguration. Moses beheld the glorious face of Jesus and spoke with him and, in doing so, beheld the glorious face of God the Father. Philip and the other apostles learned the same lesson at the Last Supper.

2. The Face of God the Son: In the Old Testament, there was a longing of the people of Israel to behold the Face of God. The priests blessed the Israelites and asked: “May the Lord bless and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” The hope of this Old Testament blessing was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The face of the Lord shone upon Israel in and through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Whoever saw the face of Jesus saw the face of the Father. And what did the apostles and disciples contemplate in the face of Jesus? A face of humility, service, justice, peace, charity, mercy, meekness, purity, and persecution. The face of Jesus perfectly imaged the face of his Father.

3. The Face of God the Spirit: The Incarnation of the Son is complemented by the Pentecost of the Spirit. While the mission of Jesus was to assume our human nature and redeem it through his sacrificial offering, the mission of the Spirit is to sanctify our human nature and bring it to its consummation. The Spirit has manifested itself as a peaceful dove, as an enveloping cloud, as a powerful wind, and as tongues of fire. The Spirit reconciles us with the Father, brings us into the mystery of the Triune God, directs us here and there, and enkindles the Love of God and neighbor within our hearts. While the people of Babel could not understand one another due to the effects of pride and sin, the people at Pentecost became one in the Spirit, in faith, in Baptism, and in the Body of Christ. Although we do not see the face of the invisible Spirit, the Spirit brings us to contemplate as individuals and as a community the face of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you have forgiven my sins and established me in a right relationship with God the Father. I have been healed and justified by your grace and granted divine sonship. Help me to live as a true child of God and heed the words of my Father in heaven.

Living the Word of God: A person can choose to reject God’s call and grace. They can reject God’s love and mercy. When we reject God’s merciful love, we abuse the gift of our freedom and bring condemnation upon ourselves. When we accept and collaborate with the grace of God’s merciful love, we use the gift of our freedom properly and are brought to share in eternal life. Will I accept or reject God’s grace and mercy today?