A GLIMPSE OF THE FATHER
I remember walking into the Basilica of St. Paul in Rome and being overwhelmed by the large life-size images of the Apostles. As you enter, the images flank either side, standing alongside each other as pillars representing the foundation of the Church and seemingly looking over the passing pilgrims, day in and day out.
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Sts. James and Philip, both called by Jesus Himself. They had firsthand experience of being with Jesus. What must it have been like to be in the company of Jesus over a long period of time?
The Gospel today (John 14:6-14) gives us a glimpse of what it must have been like. Jesus has just expressed Himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life. He speaks of the Father: “To see Me is to have seen the Father.” This is His answer when Philip says, “Let us see the Father and we shall be satisfied.” The Father satisfies, and is merciful, loving and kind. He satisfies our deep longings for love and healing, peace and freedom. So often, we look elsewhere for satisfaction, but only the Father satisfies. Only Jesus leads us to the Father.
Sadly, we live in a world of absent fathers, physically and/or psychologically. We all need to be in a relationship. It is true that once we have discovered a father’s love, we become strong in identity, secure in our emotions, and sure in our ways. We need a father’s love to satisfy the longings of our human heart. For nine months we lived in the womb of our mother, so the mother’s love is set deep within. We have to let go and search for the love of the Father. It doesn’t come easy. Some never find it. But Jesus has told us that no one can come to the Father except through Him, as He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Let us take time to be with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament today. Then we shall see the Father and know what St. Teresa of Avila means when she says, “Prayer is coming to the One who I know loves me. The Father loves me, since He sees in us what He sees and loves in Christ Jesus.”
REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you still longing for your father’s love? Seek Jesus and you will be satisfied.
Jesus, show me the Way. Lead me to the Truth. Fill me with Your Life. Amen.
