Scripture:
Acts 6:1-7
1 Peter 2:4-9
John 14:1-12
Reflection:
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?” -John 14:9
I can totally relate to Philip’s disbelief. Jesus, you give me a nice home, a fancy car, and respect amid the powerful decision-makers of the world I live in and then suggest, that I if I want these, I had to freely share them with all those I meet, holding back nothing. What? Maybe that worked in the world 2,000 years ago, before double-entry accounting, computers and satellites that assure me of recognition and authority worldwide. At the same time, this technology shares the wars, the unimaginable destruction taking place in my world, people that think that they can have it all too. How do I go forward?
We can choose the right path at least for today. To go forward even when we are ‘enlightened’ by faith can be a risk. And so often the Christian journey calls us to go forward into what is not known. ‘What will happen if… I forgive the other or I trust in this moment or I dare to ask for forgiveness etc?”
I think I totally understand this father business, because I was so lucky to have a father who loved to sow seeds and tend them daily until he thought they were ready to go off and do the same, never losing contact with each other, but sharing with each other in the abundant life promised.
Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists. He lives in Chicago.