You still do not know me?

May 3rd is the feast of Sts Philip and James the Lesser. The Gospel for the day details a discussion between Philip and Jesus as part of “The Last Supper Discourse.” Although the apostle Philip is only mentioned in the New Testament a handful of times, I find the exchange between Philip and Jesus one of the most powerful conversations in the New Testament. This year, the feast day falls on Sunday. As a result, the Sunday liturgy takes precedence and the feast day is omitted. However, the Gospel proclaimed is still from John, Chapter 14. Pay particular attention as you attend Mass the first weekend of May.

First, let’s see where Philip is mentioned in the Bible. Philip was one of the Twelve Apostles. He was one of the first apostles that Jesus called shortly after Christ called Simon Peter. After Jesus invited Philip to “Follow me,” Philip invited Nathaneal (Bartholomew) to “Come and see” Jesus in John 1:43-46.

A well-known interaction between Jesus and Philip is in John, Chapter 6: the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves.

“When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?’ He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Two hundred days’ wages’ worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little [bit].’” ~ John 6:5-7

Philip’s response seems like a reasonable answer. It sounds like something I probably would have said. We know the rest of the story. Jesus takes five barley loaves and two fish and feeds the 5,000. Not only that, but they are able to collect 12 baskets of leftovers! Can you imagine witnessing this miracle? Philip was there. He saw it unfold. What was going through his mind?

It’s incredible to think what Philip witnessed and heard in the three years of Jesus’ public ministry leading to the Lord’s crucifixion. Philip must have known Jesus well after spending that much time with him.

Which brings us to the Gospel for May 3rd. The powerful conversation between Jesus and Philip. Jesus explains who He is. Pay particular attention to Philip’s response.  

“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’?” ~ John 14:7-9

Philip was still missing something. After all he had witnessed he was still asking Jesus to “show us the Father.” Before we judge Philip, maybe we should consider our own views.

I personally feel challenged by Jesus’ response to Philip, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?” As a cradle Catholic, I could easily replace Philip’s name with my own and hear Jesus’ words piercing my soul. He has been with me since the beginning, but do I truly know him? Apparently, I am not alone.

In the first chapter of Sherry Weddells’ book, Forming Intentional Disciples, she references a September 2020 poll by Ligonier Ministries that reveals 56 percent of American Catholics who attend Mass weekly, or more often, strongly or somewhat agreed with the statement that “Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God.”

In other words, the study suggests over half of American Catholics that regularly attend Mass are unsure that Jesus is God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear:

“The unique and altogether singular event of the Incarnation of the Son of God does not mean that Jesus Christ is part God and part man, nor does it imply that he is the result of a confused mixture of the divine and the human. He became truly man while remaining truly God. Jesus Christ is true God and true man. During the first centuries, the Church had to defend and clarify this truth of faith against the heresies that falsified it.” (CCC 464)

When you attend Mass the first weekend of May and hear the Gospel, imagine Jesus gently and lovingly staring into your eyes and asking you, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, ?” Lord, help us to know you! 

Prayer 

O Glorious St Philip, at the Last Supper you said to Jesus: “Lord, show us the Father and it will be enough for us.” Help us to make this our prayer also and to seek God in all things. Obtain for us the grace to know the Father and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, for in this does eternal life consist. Amen.