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Monday, May 3, 2021

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Sts. Philip & James


1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Psalm 19:2-5
John 14:6-14

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father’s day

“How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ ” —John 14:9

Jesus became a man to reveal to us that God is not just the Supreme Being and the Creator, but also wants to be our personal, loving Father (see Mt 11:27). Most people in the world don’t believe this. Why would the awesome Creator of galaxies which stretch for billions of light-years decide to adopt us? As far-fetched as this may sound, it is absolutely true. Almighty God wants to be our Father (see Hos 11:4).

Jesus, as “the exact Representation of the Father’s being” (Heb 1:3), came to show us the Father. When we see Jesus, we see the Father (Jn 14:9). By believing in Jesus and being baptized into Him, we become new creations and are thereby capable of being God the Father’s adopted children (see 2 Cor 5:17). Jesus is the only Way by which this can happen (see Jn 14:6).

Jesus is preoccupied with showing us the Father’s love. Therefore, when Philip showed he didn’t know the Father’s love, he greatly disappointed Jesus (see Jn 14:9). Likewise, when we show our insecurity about our Father’s love, when we live in fear or anxiety, we grieve Jesus. After all this time, after all this love, Jesus laments that we still don’t know Him and the Father (Jn 14:9). Let us please Jesus by being secure in the Father’s love.

Prayer:  Father, may I be so secure in Your love that I will not be manipulated or pressured into sin or compromise with the world.

Promise:  “Next He was seen by James; then by all the apostles. Last of all He was seen by me.” —1 Cor 15:7-8

Praise:  Sts. Philip & James continually instructed others in the “new life” in Christ (Acts 5:20).

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Do You Believe in God the Father?, order, listen to, or download our CD 84-1 or DVD 84 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from April 1,2021 through May 31, 2021 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 5,2020"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.