Thursday, May 3, 2018
TODAY'S REFLECTION - THURSDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER
Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 / Psalm 18:2-5 / John 14:6-14
LEAD OTHERS TO JESUS
Beloved, Philip introduced or led his friend, Nathanael, to Jesus (John 1:45). He preached the Gospel in Asia Minor and probably suffered martyrdom by crucifixion at Hierapolis in Phrygia.
James the Just (or James the Less) became the bishop of Jerusalem. He was charitable. He wrote the epistle of St. James.
In our today's first reading, we are reminded of how Jesus, after his resurrection, revealed himself to many people, including James (1 Corinthians 15:7). Jesus still continues to reveal himself to us. We feel his presence in his Word, the sacraments and our togetherness. We need to make a personal experience of Jesus' presence in our lives and help others to do the same.
Friends, in our today's Gospel reading, Jesus told Thomas, "I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life, no one can comes to the Father, but through me (John 14:7). Jesus also told Philip, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:19). He added that, "I am in the Father and the Father is in me" (John 14:12). We can see the intimate union or communion or relationship between Jesus and his Father. He tried to let his followers know about this and to encourage us to also establish similar relationships with our biological and spiritual parents and wards. It is our duty to let Jesus' presence be felt more concretely. It is our duty to know and believe in Jesus first and also help others to know and believe in Jesus. James and Philip did their part. Other believers have done and are still doing their part. What about me and what about you?
Let us pray for the grace to draw others to Jesus so that they may know and believe in him. Let us help others to go the right way, know the Truth and live lives pleasing to God. BE BLESSED.
Fr. Gaa. (0206854323/0240308878)