Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
Intention: For the spread of peace and justice throughout the world, especially where hearts have become hardened to God’s presence.
Today’s Gospel | John 14:6-14
Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen 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? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”
From the Meditation for Saint James and Saint Philip, Apostles | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Learn from Saint James, from his example as well as from his words, the love you must have for prayer, the great benefit it produces in you, and the attention you ought to give to this holy exercise. In your work you have a special need for zeal for the salvation of souls. Ask this earnestly of God by the intercession of Saint Philip, who will help you very much to obtain it.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son told us that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from you. We give thanks for the nourishment of your truth in the grace that comes to us through your gifts of one another. Grant that we might always hear your voice and always follow it as it guides us to greater faith in you and greater zeal for building your Kingdom. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.