Greetings on this the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
Readings: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-3, 4-5; Jn 14:6-14
Notes
Late in the day writing as the day was started early at the Guatemala Maya Center.
In our first reading today we have what can be described as a protocreed (“earliest form of”).
- Christ died for our sins.
- In accordance with the Scriptures (fulfilled prophecy).
- That he was buried.
- That he was raised on the third day.
- In accordance with the Scriptures (fulfilled prophecy).
- That he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the Apostles. Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.
Summary
The first reading is a protocreed. The responsorial speaks to the witness given to the Gentiles before the coming of Christ.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day;
and night to night imparts knowledge.
Reflection
Philip had a difficult time contemplating and internalizing what Jesus said to him.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.
Sadly, there was no reflection, no contemplation, no consideration, only discontent. That’s OK as the dialog is helpful to us to consider the question two thousand years later. But, actually, shouldn’t we also contemplate what Jesus says without rushing (like unbelievers) to the next accusation and challenge?
“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?
Personal Reflection
I think we all go through the phase of having to be reminded to “Think before you ask!” I remember how much it stung when my own father would say that to me when I just rushed into the next question, possibly a more ignorant question than the first question I asked! Anyone else have that happen? I think Philip went through that.
Here is Jesus’ protocreed he gave to Philip because he refused to come to it on his own.
- 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.
- (later) This I command you: love one another.
Think.
First Reading
I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received.
Responsorial
Their message goes out through all the earth.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; Philip, whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
Gospel
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.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 