To see Christ is to see the Father

Gospel

John 14:7-14

To have seen me is to have seen the father

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘If you know me, you know my Father too.

From this moment you know him and have seen him.’

Philip said, ‘Lord, let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied.’

‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip,’ said Jesus to him, ‘and you still do not know me?

‘To have seen me is to have seen the Father,

so how can you say, “Let us see the Father”?

Do you not believe

that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?

The words I say to you I do not speak as from myself:

it is the Father, living in me, who is doing this work.

You must believe me when I say

that I am in the Father and the Father is in me;

believe it on the evidence of this work, if for no other reason.

I tell you most solemnly,

whoever believes in me

will perform the same works as I do myself,

he will perform even greater works,

because I am going to the Father.

Whatever you ask for in my name I will do,

so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If you ask for anything in my name,

I will do it.’

Reflection

In this Gospel, Jesus reassures his disciples that to know him is to know the Father. When Philip asks to see the Father, Jesus responds that anyone who has seen him has already seen the Father, because he and the Father are one. Jesus’ words reveal the deep unity between himself and God, inviting us to recognize God’s presence and love in his life and actions. This is not just about knowing facts, but about a relationship-a “felt-knowledge born of mutual love”32. Jesus also promises that those who believe in him will continue his works and even do greater things, empowered by faith and prayer.

Question for reflection:

How do I seek to recognize and experience God’s presence in my daily life, especially through Jesus’ example and teachings?

Short Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Help me to know you more deeply, so that I may know the Father’s love. Strengthen my faith to trust in your presence and to continue your works with courage and love. May I always seek you and glorify the Father in all I do.

Amen.

Comments

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