Whoever sees me, has seen the Father

Readings: 1st: Acts 13:44-52; Ps: 97; Gos John 14:7-14

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, Saturday of the fourth week of Easter, one very interesting thing about today’s gospel is that Christ repeated the word “Father” many times.

The multiple use of “Father” has two important messages for us. First, it stresses Christs relationship, and obedience to his father. In other words, he does nothing without his father.

The second is that, this is a sign that Christ is returning to his father soon. The time is very close for him to return to the source and foundation of his mission.

Of course, after mentioning the father much times, Philip was curious to know who this “father” was. Then, he pleaded, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”

It was like saying, is your father not Joseph, the husband of Mary that we all know very well? Tell us if he is not! Of course, Christ was not talking of Joseph.

Jesus responded: “Philip, I have been with you all this time, yet you do not know me?” It was a surprise to Christ that, a very close disciple was still did not know him. So, he has not paid attention to Christ.

There are two important lessons for us here today. First, like Philip, many of hardly pay attention to what Christ is teaching us through his church. So, we live in ignorance of the basic truth we ought to know.

Second, ignoring the ignorance of Philip, Christ declared, “whoever sees me, has seen the Father. So, Christ is reminding that, he is the full image of the Father. He leads us to his Father, and wants us to be with him, and his father.

So, let us pray that we may be attentive to all Christ is teaching us through his church, so that, we might come to the full knowledge of his father and his will.  

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!