May 2, 2026, John 14:7-14
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050226.cfm
Seeing the Father
When we throw a pebble into a pond, ripples appear, and eventually, the pond calms again. Ah! This allows us to see beneath the surface, perhaps even reaching the pond’s bottom. Notice that Jesus seemed surprised that Philip did not recognize or perceive His Father in Him.
Phillip was probably a bit confused, too, since he thought he knew Jesus, but did he? He hadn’t yet experienced the full depth of Jesus’s love for him. Before Jesus suffered, died, and rose, the disciples weren’t quite ready to give their lives for Jesus.
When they arrested Jesus, the disciples vanished, hiding in fear of being associated with him. We know that changed at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them. This event transformed them, and all but St. John died as martyrs. So, what is the difference between before and after Pentecost? The answer is the Holy Spirit, who empowered them to live and die for Jesus.
Their tears over abandoning Jesus were like ripples on a pond’s surface. Once those tears faded, they recognized the vast depth of Jesus’ merciful love for them despite their abandonment. For the first time, they began to think, breathe, and live not for themselves, but for Jesus.
They deeply desired to love each other as Jesus loved them, with a love that was merciful, tender, and marked by a listening heart. This realization of the Father’s love for all of us can fill our hearts with gratitude and trust, inspiring us to seek that same love in our lives.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled,” my friends. Remember, showing forgiveness and mercy to others is one of the most beautiful ways we can reflect the heart of Jesus. It can fill us with hope and reassure us that, through God’s grace, we can always find a way to forgive and be forgiven.
Gospel Challenge: “Father, forgive them,” Jesus prayed on the cross. And the Father did, and He does. Even in the face of such cruelty, this act of forgiveness is where we see the Father in Jesus most clearly. It’s a powerful demonstration of love and forgiveness. There is no greater love than laying down your life for someone who doesn’t deserve it. This is the Gospel Challenge we face every day: to love and forgive as Jesus did.
I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me.
Love One Another!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC www.bscchurch.com www.rosminians.com
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday, 4th Week in Easter
May 2, 2026, John 14:7-14
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050226.cfm
Seeing the Father
When we throw a pebble into a pond, ripples appear, and eventually, the pond calms again. Ah! This allows us to see beneath the surface, perhaps even reaching the pond’s bottom. Notice that Jesus seemed surprised that Philip did not recognize or perceive His Father in Him.
Phillip was probably a bit confused, too, since he thought he knew Jesus, but did he? He hadn’t yet experienced the full depth of Jesus’s love for him. Before Jesus suffered, died, and rose, the disciples weren’t quite ready to give their lives for Jesus.
When they arrested Jesus, the disciples vanished, hiding in fear of being associated with him. We know that changed at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon them. This event transformed them, and all but St. John died as martyrs. So, what is the difference between before and after Pentecost? The answer is the Holy Spirit, who empowered them to live and die for Jesus.
Their tears over abandoning Jesus were like ripples on a pond’s surface. Once those tears faded, they recognized the vast depth of Jesus’ merciful love for them despite their abandonment. For the first time, they began to think, breathe, and live not for themselves, but for Jesus.
They deeply desired to love each other as Jesus loved them, with a love that was merciful, tender, and marked by a listening heart. This realization of the Father’s love for all of us can fill our hearts with gratitude and trust, inspiring us to seek that same love in our lives.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled,” my friends. Remember, showing forgiveness and mercy to others is one of the most beautiful ways we can reflect the heart of Jesus. It can fill us with hope and reassure us that, through God’s grace, we can always find a way to forgive and be forgiven.
Gospel Challenge: “Father, forgive them,” Jesus prayed on the cross. And the Father did, and He does. Even in the face of such cruelty, this act of forgiveness is where we see the Father in Jesus most clearly. It’s a powerful demonstration of love and forgiveness. There is no greater love than laying down your life for someone who doesn’t deserve it. This is the Gospel Challenge we face every day: to love and forgive as Jesus did.
I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me.
Love One Another!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC www.bscchurch.com www.rosminians.com
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