Thursday of Fifth Week of Easter (May 3, 2018): Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles

Thứ Tư, 02-05-2018 | 15:00:14

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Ps 19:2-5
John 14:6-14
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050318.cfm

USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/18_05_03.mp3


A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
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 him,
“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.”


Good News Reflection: Doing greater works than Jesus

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me will do the works I do, and greater far than these.” What does he mean — greater than his?

Let’s start with the basics: If you and I really do believe in Jesus, we want to be his apostles. The word “apostle” means “one who is sent.” We want to be sent by Jesus to help others get to know him and experience his love. Our faith drives us into ministry and outreach. And Jesus gives us the power of his Holy Spirit so that we will be successful.

What are we sent forth to do?

Each of us has been assigned apostolates by the Father. Just as the Father accomplished his works through Jesus, so too does the Father desire to accomplish his works through me — and also through you! He has given you a set of talents and gifts that make you uniquely capable for your particular divine purpose in life. You also have training and experiences (both good and bad) that God wants to put to good use.

Our Father has assigned an apostolate to you that requires your special combination of personality traits and spiritual attributes, right where you are right now — in your job, your home, your relationships, your church, your neighborhood. Because of your uniqueness, he cannot accomplish this through anyone else!

Jesus said that if we believe in him, we will do the same works he did “and greater far than these.” Through his humanity, Jesus did human works. These are the same works we do matter-of-factly as good people. Human works include loving each other, teaching what we’ve learned, sharing what we’ve been given, listening to those who need someone to talk to, working hard on the job to our fullest potential, offering a helping hand when we see a need, etc. But even atheists do that.

Through his divinity — his unity with the Father — Jesus did supernatural works (the “greater works”). Through Jesus, you and I are united to the Father, and the Father extends himself to the world through us. Through us, the Father continues working miracles, the humanly impossible works. Only someone who believes in Jesus and relies on his Holy Spirit can do this.

In doing our human works well, we give Jesus to the world. But sometimes our human works require supernatural aid, such as when loving someone becomes very difficult during a long trial as they continually sin against us.

What does the Father want to accomplish through you? Listen for his will to become known to you. How does the Father want to improve the world through you? Like Jesus, we do supernatural works when we do the will of the Father. Wait for his instructions with open ears.

Meanwhile, dedicate (or rededicate) your gifts, talents, resources, skills, and experiences to God for use in his kingdom. Pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen your virtues and empower your giftedness so that when others encounter you, they will experience the human works of Jesus and the divine works of the Father.

Today’s Prayer:

Beloved Jesus: Strengthen my faith and my confidence in You to do, in Your name, the works that glorify the Father and touch the hearts of those seeking His love. Amen.

© 2018 by Terry A. Modica

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