Daily Gospel Reflection
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May 9, 2020
Jesus said to his disciples, “If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 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 say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.
“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”
Do we ever really know someone? Even then, what do we know? Names, likes, dislikes, and some data. That’s life, and it’s just fine.
We go a lot deeper with those closest to us, don’t we? We know all of the above. Over time, we begin to know a lot more. Who they love and how they feel. We know their favorite colors, teams, food, songs, places, people, and things. We get there spending time with people. Lots of real close time. Listening, watching, learning. We might call that love.
Three times in the Gospel of John, we hear Jesus tell us when we see him, we see the Father. He wants us to know him. To really love him as he loves us. In today’s Gospel, Jesus certainly makes this clear.
Imagine Jesus’ frustration when Philip asks, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied. ” They’d been together for some time. Jesus had not only told his followers who he was, he showed them what that meant. Weren’t they watching, listening, and learning?
Then, Jesus tells his disciples, you and me, not only what he says but all he does comes from the Father. Listen, watch, and learn. And, as is so often true, Jesus challenges us. Do what I do,and you are doing the Father’s will. If that’s sounds tough, just tell me. I am here for you.
I wonder. Am I satisfied knowing Jesus name, his likes and dislikes, and some data? Or, do I do what it takes to truly love him. The Beatitudes come to mind.
None of this is easy. Jesus never promised that. He did promise one thing; frankly, the only thing we need. “I will do whatever you need.” Let’s count on that.
Prayer
God of all wisdom and grace, fill us with zeal to proclaim the truth of our faith wherever your Spirit leads us. Give us courage and determination to live out our faith in a challenging world. May our lives reflect your radiance as you lead us into your promise of everlasting life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day
Though St. Anthony the Great is credited as the father of monasticism, St. Pachomius was the first to organize Christian communities around a common rule of life.
Pachomius was born in 292 in Upper Egypt, and at the age of 20 he was conscripted to the emperor’s army. He was transported down the Nile river with other recruits for training, and they traveled in terrible conditions. When they stopped at a small river town during their journey, Christians there showed them great kindness. Their charity deeply touched Pachomius.
As soon as he was able to leave the army, he made his way to a Christian church and began learning the faith as a catechumen. He was baptized and dedicated himself to finding every possible way to cooperate with the new grace he had received.
He learned of a hermit living in the desert, and he sought him out and asked to follow him. Pachomius promised the man obedience and they lived under great discipline and austerity—they ate only bread and salt, and practiced praying through the night.
Pachomius heard a call to establish a new monastery in a nearby region, and had a vision of an angel who instructed him on how to organize it. In 318, he constructed a small cell there and began his work.
The first to join him there was his brother, John, and others followed. Soon more than 100 lived together. He led them mainly by example, but allowed everyone to participate in their pursuit of holiness according to their ability.
The movement grew, and he eventually founded eight other monasteries, including one for women, which included his sister. Even in the face of false accusations, he displayed heroic humility and patience, and was known for miraculous healings.
Pachomius died in 348 of a disease that killed a number of other monks. At the time of his death, some 3,000 monks were living in his monasteries. His rule of life greatly influenced St. Benedict, who formed the trunk from which most branches of monasticism grew in the west.
St. Pachomius, you pioneered a path towards holiness through the practice of community, pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Pachomius is available for use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Last accessed March 6, 2025 on Wikimedia Commons.
