In today’s Gospel proclamation, the Lord Jesus tells his disciples how they can enter heaven and be with the Lord Jesus in eternity. He says in John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The Lord is not giving his disciples the key, but he is telling us how we can enter the Kingdom of God. It is through a relationship with Jesus. The Lord Jesus promises that when we have a relationship with him, we will be able to enter heaven and secure a place forever in his Father’s house.

At the time when the Lord Jesus is explaining this to his disciples, Phillip may not have understood this teaching. His question makes the Lord realize that he has not understood what has been taught. He does not know the Father, even though he has followed the Lord Jesus.

As I read this passage, I realize I too am a Philip at times. I hear the words the Lord speaks, I want to do my best to follow them, but I cannot understand what is required of me or what I should be doing. The Lord Jesus is asking me to build a relationship with him through prayer. How many times have we heard this message?

Some days I can sit down and pray. However, other days I still find it difficult to sit down and concentrate on God. My mind runs wild, many other important tasks come to mind, and I push prayer aside for “another time”. I forget that I need to build my relationship with the Lord. I forget the importance of this relationship and I carry on with my day. Like Philip some days I just don’t get it. However, today’s first reading helps me to re-focus.

Philip being a man filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit, is called to serve at the table. The apostle Philip was a puzzled disciple as we read in the Gospel proclamation. Somewhere along the way, he found the answer to his question and realized what he had to do. He could not have done it on his own. The reading tells us that he was filled with the Spirit and wisdom. It is the Spirit inside him that made the difference and changed him.

The Holy Spirit can do the same for us. If we are wondering how to become more faithful disciples of the Lord or how we can build this relationship with the Father and the Lord Jesus, let us call on the Holy Spirit. He is our counsellor and our guide. Each day let us sit at his feet, surrender ourselves to him and wait upon his Word. He will guide us and lead us, as he guided the apostle Philip. We need to be patient and consistent. 

Prayer: Abba Father, may I be like Philip and lean on you to cultivate my relationship with you. Amen.