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Tuesday, May 3, 2005

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Sts. Philip & James


1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Psalm 19
John 14:6-14

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a personal question

" 'Lord,' Philip said to Him, 'show us the Father and that will be enough for us.' " —John 14:8

Jesus asked Philip one of the saddest questions ever asked, and made one of the greatest promises ever made. He questioned Philip: "After I have been with you all this time, you still do not know Me?" (Jn 14:9) He promised Philip: "I solemnly assure you, the man who has faith in Me will do the works I do, and greater far than these" (Jn 14:12).

Jesus wants to speak precious promises to us rather than sad questions, if we will only believe in Him with all our hearts and come to know Him in a deep personal way. As we enter into this Easter season, let's pray we will know Jesus better than ever within the next month. Let's pray that our relationship with Him becomes more deep, personal, and real than any other relationship — even that with a spouse, child, parent, or good friend.

May our relationship with Jesus be the best relationship in our lives and the best it's ever been. Thus we "will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge" (Eph 3:18-19).

Prayer:  Jesus, may I trust You enough to hear anything You say.

Promise:  "After that He was seen by five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Next He was seen by James; then by all the apostles." —1 Cor 15:6-7

Praise:  Sts. Philip & James eventually received the Holy Spirit and understood what Jesus had tried to teach them.

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape Developing A Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 2004

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