Word to the Wise
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 4th Week of Easter - Sat
[Acts 13:44-52 and John 14:7-14]Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [John]
MAY 2, ST. ATHANASIUS (bishop and doctor of the church)
It is Philip's turn to be the foil for Jesus' teaching. You will remember that Thomas asked about "the way." Now Philip asks about "the Father." Just as Jesus told Thomas that he [Jesus] IS the way, now he tells Philip that whoever sees him [Jesus] sees the Father! Then Jesus says something that should stop us in our tracks. "Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these..."
Every baptized person is received into "the priesthood of the baptized," and is identified with Jesus (cf. Rom. 6). Those who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood have a unique role and that identity "differs in kind and not merely in degree" as the Vatican Council teaches. However, this does not qualify Jesus' teaching about what every person can do who believes in him. We are all called to do the works of God in whatever way our human condition can allow, and Jesus guarantees that our work will be effective. This will be true because Father, Son and Spirit will be in us. Think about that the next time you touch that holy water at the entrance of the church and make the Sign of the Cross. Don't forget to say the words, too! AMEN