Saint John I, Pope and Martyr (Optional Memorial)
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. (John 14:9)
When you were a child, someone may have told you, “You’re the spitting image of your dad.” Or “Your eyes remind me so much of your mother’s.” Or maybe you heard “You have your father’s laugh” or “You have your mother’s nose.” These remarks reflect the truth that we don’t just pop into the world as completely independent beings. We inherit our physical makeup from our parents. Even in the case of someone who has never met our family, there’s still some truth to the fact that when they meet us, they are meeting our parents as well.
If this is true about human parents and children, imagine how much more it is for Jesus and his heavenly Father! He even says as much in today’s Gospel: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). All of his Father’s love and power were wrapped up in everything Jesus said and did.
Now for the really good news: because the Spirit lives within us, we too are infused with God’s love and power. We are sons and daughters of God who carry our Father’s “spiritual DNA.” Of course, like any other child, we still have to grow into our inheritance. But isn’t it wonderful to know we have all the tools we need to do just that?
You are a child of God. Hold on to this truth every day—especially when you are confronted with sin and weakness. Remember the goodness that your Father has placed in you when you are reminded of your failings. Remember that you have been filled with divine grace to help you live a holy life. Remember who you are—and whose you are.
When you have an impossible deadline at work, remember Jesus, who persevered through long days of ministry. Ask for his strength to carry on. When you are offended and want to retaliate, remember Jesus, who silently endured the cross. Ask the Spirit for his patience and compassion. When you want to offer to pray with a friend but feel afraid, remember your heavenly brothers and sisters, the saints. Let their boldness embolden you. Who knows? Before the day is over, someone might say, “You know, I see something different in you. What could it be?”
“Father, may I reflect your presence within me today.”
Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98:1-4
