Philip's Desire to See the Father

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Easter Season:  2nd Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Jn 14:6-14*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 15:1-8*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 19:2-3, 4-5*

*Feast : St Philip and James : Apostles*

*Philip's Desire to See the Father*

*“Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us,”*

*1) A Deep Human Desire for God*

Philip’s request echoes the universal longing of the human heart to see God 

He represents every believer’s desire for tangible assurance of God's presence. 

This longing is rooted in the Old Testament tradition where Moses asks to see God’s glory (Exodus 33:18), but God only allows him to see His back—not His face.

In contrast, Jesus reveals that in Him, the face of God is made visible 

2 Corinthians 4:6, *“the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”*

*2) The Revelation of the Father in the Son*

Jesus’ response affirms that He is the full revelation of the Father. 

This moment reveals the heart of Christian faith: that to know Jesus is to know God. 

The invisible God becomes visible in Christ (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3). 

This affirms both the divinity of Jesus and His unity with the Father.

*3) Seeing with the Eyes of Faith*

Jesus gently corrects Philip by highlighting that physical seeing isn’t the ultimate goal—faith is ultimate goal

Though the disciples were with Jesus physically, they had not yet fully grasped who He was. 

True vision of the Father comes not just through sight but through faith-filled recognition.

John 20:29, *“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”*

*4) A Call to Intimacy and Trust*

Jesus’ words call us into a deeper intimacy: not just to seek signs or appearances, but to dwell in Him and allow His presence to transform our understanding of God.

 *“Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me”* (John 14:11) is an invitation to trust and abide in the mystery of divine union.

*5) Christ as the Way to the Father*

In the context of John 14, Jesus had just declared, *“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”* (John 14:6). 

Philip’s question gives Jesus an opportunity to clarify that He is not just a guide to the Father; He is the manifestation of the Father.

*6) A Call to See with New Eyes*

Philip wanted to see the Father in a way that satisfied the senses. 

Jesus invites him—and us—to see with the eyes of faith, love, and mercy.

To see the Father is to look through the lens of Christ—who chose the broken and became broken for them.

God reveals Himself not only in heavenly visions but in earthly compassion. 

If we want to see the Father,  must look where Jesus looked—among the poor, the outcast, and the hurting.

It is there that the glory of God shines most brightly, though hidden from the proud.

God is found in the poor, sick, marginalized, lost and least ones. Am I able to see, God the Father in these?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*