"EVEN ON THE CROSS HE DID NOT HIDE HIMSELF FROM SIGHT;

RATHER, HE MADE ALL CREATION WITNESS TO THE PRESENCE OF ITS MAKER."

                                                                      - Saint Athanasius

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Acts 13:44-52

The following Sabbath

Almost the entire city gathered to listen to Paul, who spoke a fairly long time about the Lord.

But the presence of such a crowd made the Jews jealous. So they began to oppose with insults whatever Paul said.

 

Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out firmly, saying, "It was necessary

that God's word be first proclaimed to you, but since you now reject it

and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, we turn to non-Jewish people.

For thus we were commanded by the Lord: I have set you as a light to the pagan nations,

so that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."

 

Those who were not Jews rejoiced when they heard this and praised the message of the Lord,

and all those destined for everlasting life believed in it. Thus the Word spread throughout the whole region.

Some of the Jews, however, incited God-fearing women of the upper class and the leading men of the city,

as well, and stirred up an intense persecution against Paul and Barnabas.

Finally they had them expelled from their region.

The apostles shook the dust from their feet in protest against this people and went to

Iconium, leaving the disciples filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

 

Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

John 14:7-14

If you know me, you will know the Father also; indeed you know him, and you have seen him."

Philip asked him, "Lord, show us the Father, and that is enough." Jesus said to him, "

What! I have been with you so long and you still do not know me, Philip?

Whoever sees me sees 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?

All that I say to you, I do not say of myself. The Father who dwells in me is doing his own work.

 

Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me;

at least believe it on the evidence of these works that I do.

Truly, I say to you, the one who believes in me will do the same works that I do;

and he will even do greater than these, for I am going to the Father. Everything you ask in my name,

I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Indeed, anything you ask, calling upon my name, I will do it.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Questioning is also a part of our faith in Jesus.

We may find the dialogue between Jesus and Philip in the Gospel

to be interesting and even humorous at times. This occurs when Philip asks Jesus,

"Lord, show us the Father, and that is enough." We can imagine Jesus's human side thinking,

"These people do not get it! Have I not been with you all this time that you do not know me?"

Yet, we also say, "We are limited too, Jesus. We cannot fully understand what you are saying."

 

Sometimes, it can be beneficial to view our relationship with God this way:

questioning is also a part of our faith in Jesus, even though some questions may seem evident or absurd.

Jesus is always willing to provide answers. Therefore,

let us engage in a dialogue with God, just as Philip did in the Gospel.

Ask Him questions because, like Philip, His responses will serve as the foundation of our faith in Him.