St. Thomas asked Jesus how to know the way to where He would go. Jesus responded with a serious, profound answer. To the next request from St. Philip to show the disciples the Father, however, Jesus did not respond with such a profound answer. Instead, Jesus expressed exasperation.
Why did Jesus respond so differently to the two questions? Possibly it is because of the intentions behind the two requests. Although we can't know the motives of each apostle, the text provides a few hints.
Thomas' question seems to be asked with the intent of knowing the way because he intended to keep following Jesus in whichever direction Jesus moved. Earlier, Thomas advocated following Jesus even to death (Jn 11:16). Jesus no doubt would have been pleased with such obedient devotion, and gave Thomas an answer that has echoed through the centuries: "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (Jn 14:6). Philip asked a question that ended with the statement that said if he got what he wanted, that would be "enough" (Jn 14:8).
One man apparently put no limits on what Jesus could do with him; the other man possibly did. Are your requests pleasing to Jesus? Are you putting no limits on what Jesus is permitted to do in your life?
| PRAYER: | Father, I am all Yours. I beg You to take all of my life and use it for any purpose You choose. |
| PROMISE: | "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God and faith in Me." —Jn 14:1 |
| PRAISE: | Tom and Louise stopped thinking of limiting their family, allowed God to bless them as He wished, and were blessed with triplets. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College