It is 03rd May 2016. We celebrate the Feast of Sts. Philip & James, the Apostles. St. Philip was crucified where he preached the Gospel of the Lord while St. James was stoned to death for the sake of the preaching on Christ. Philip comes across as someone who is rather innocent and naïve and he takes a lot time to acknowledge the full identity of Jesus. St. James was the ‘bishop’ of Jerusalem and the author of the Letter of James. The readings are from 1Corinthians 15:1-8; and the Gospel from John 14:6-14. The first reading describes how Jesus the Risen Lord appeared to James along with the other believers. The responsorial Psalm praises, “Their message goes out through all the earth.” (Ps.19:5). In today’s Gospel Jesus promises us everything in prayer when we exalt the name of Jesus. “If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14). Our asking must be founded in the plan and wish of God. We cannot ask God anything without using the glorious name of Jesus. Our prayers and petitions have a place of recognition and acceptance only when we ask in the name of Jesus. Jesus tells us clearly, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.” (Jn.14:6). Jesus reveals himself as the way to the Father. Jesus is fully human and fully divine. Jesus is man and God. There is nothing in Him less than God and there is nothing in Him less than human being except sin. The relationship and substantial connection with the Father makes Jesus to be our way. In the same way, we who are believers in Jesus need to be the pointers to the others in their search for God. When we manifest the values of Jesus, we begin to point to the Father. May God bless you and have a good day.

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