John 14:7-9 NRSVue
7If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9Jesus 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’?
“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”
Further reflection
When we pray, something goes on deep inside us. Without being able to articulate it, we get to know God. Everyone who prays knows God. Some of the deepest faith is in people who just know in the heart that God is near, that God is caring and that God is love, and that everything in life can make sense. We can try too hard in prayer to reach God; the movement of prayer is that God reaches us, and when we sense that, we know we are immensely gifted.
One of the biggest mysteries in the life of Jesus is his relationship with his Father and the Holy Spirit. It is always presented in terms of deep closeness; they are 'I' to each other. So that when we know and love Jesus, we know and love the Father and the Holy Spirit. We are immersed in a world of divine community and so are called to live in the world of human community.
The first of May has become a day to honour work. I bring before the Lord the work that I do. The real work of my life is my contribution to the good of others - not just paid employment. I give thanks for all who are rewarded for their work and pray for the encouragement of all whose work is unseen or disregarded.
Jesus tells us that the word of God continues to unfold, to work in our midst. I take time to let God's word find deeper root in me. As I hear the word of God, I pray that I may grow to know God more intimately - as Jesus did.
Philip wanted something more. Jesus pointed out to him that what he had been given sufficient. He needed only to let his experience sink in.