THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday of the third week of Easter, 2022

1Cor15:1-8

Ps 19

John 14:7-14

Feast of Sts. Philip & James, Apostles

I am the Bread of Life…

Dear friends in Christ, today we celebrate two of the Apostles of Jesus: Philip hailed from Bethsaida and started as a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus. James son of Alphaeus was a cousin of the Lord. He ruled the Church in Jerusalem living an austere life and converting many Jews to the faith. 

Today’s gospel (John 14:7-14) continues a discussion between Jesus and the Apostles. It was Thomas who asked Jesus, “Lord we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus assured him, “I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.”

We are not traveling through the world and its dark alleys without a light, because Jesus is our light; we are not travelling on unknown paths, because Jesus is our way; We are not in doubt about where we are going, Jesus is the truth; even if we lose our lives for him, we shall have it back, because Jesus is life. We are the most fortunate of people.

Jesus said to them, “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him.” Jesus and the father are one and the glorification that will come through the cross, means that, he will also soon be away from the disciples. This however prompted an interruption from Philip who said, “Lord show us the Father and we shall be satisfied.” Jesus answered him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father…” It is not impossible, that Philip was not alone in this. Many of the sayings of Jesus only became clearer to them, after his resurrection from the dead.

Our relationship with Christ must be genuine and not just about the works done in his name. What is your prayer life like? How are you raising your family for God? What are you doing in darkness, in those shady deals, in the den of the devil? Do you know Jesus? Are you sure he knows you?

Today’s First Reading (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)  is Paul’s account of what has been handed down to him on the resurrection and appearances of Jesus. He specifically named James as one of those to whom the Lord appeared after his resurrection. Paul also received a special revelation of the risen Lord on his way to Damascus. Each one of us, living according to the mind of Christ, have the chance to experience the risen Lord in our lives and to bring his message to those around us.

Let us pray: Lord, be with all those who at this time are called to account for their faith by martyrdom. Give them the courage to remain firm in their witnessing to you. Amen. 

+Remain blessed