We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
"From now on you do know me and have seen me."
(John 14:7)
See the Lord
Jesus must have been deeply disappointed when Philip said: “Master, show us the father and that will be enough for me.” Jesus was a person who loved deeply. And people who love with heartfelt fervor, have deep, ardent feelings. What disappointment Jesus must have felt after all the time He had been with Philip and His other disciples. Did they did not yet understand and believe in Him?
Belief without concrete proof is hard for any human being. Am I one of those who say: seeing is believing? How often do you we ask Jesus for a clear sign of His love, his reliability? How often do I want to strike a bargain with God? If You do “this” then I’ll believe You are really with me. When I can see it, I’ll believe it.
Belief without concrete proof is hard for any human being. Am I one of those who say: seeing is believing? How often do you we ask Jesus for a clear sign of His love, his reliability? How often do I want to strike a bargain with God? If You do “this” then I’ll believe You are really with me. When I can see it, I’ll believe it.
However, Jesus desires that we believe and trust without “seeing” Him. It’s challenging, ‘tis true, especially in difficult and trying times. We have to cling to Jesus, our Anchor and trust He will gift us with all that we need to be awake and alert to His presence. As I said, it’s not easy but when I cling to the truth of Jesus’ words: “I am with you at all times. You are mine,” much of the burden of proof is lifted. Jesus takes onto His shoulders and, to my relief, lifts it from the bag of worries I've presumed are mine to bear all alone.
How often do I ask Jesus for a clear sign of His love, his reliability?
Guide me, good Lord. Don't let me miss You as I scramble looking for "the needle in the hay bale" when you're right there staring me in face. Amen.
Reflection by:
Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB is currently the prioress (president) of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida in Saint Leo, Pasco County, FL. Sister serves on the diocesan Commission for Religious. She is the former principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, Florida, and Saint John Paul II Catholic School in Lecanto, Florida. Sister Roberta is celebrating her 65th year with the Benedictine Sisters of FL.