Feast of Sts. Philip and James, Apostles
“It is truly right and just, with ardent love of mind and heart… to acclaim our God invisible, the almighty Father, and Jesus Christ, our Lord, his Son, His only begotten, Who for our sake paid Adam’s debt to the Eternal Father and, pouring out his own dear Blood, wiped clean the record of our ancient sinfulness.” Exultet, 18-20
It’s all back to basics today. St. Paul wrote to remind the Corinthians about the basics. It’s all about the Gospel and how Jesus redeemed us by His blood. People want to have straight and clear answers to life. Certainty is a sought-after commodity. It’s only human to want to know how things really are. No one wants to be left in the dark. The irony is this, people easily miss the truth when it’s right in front of them.
Philip asked for Jesus to show him and the Apostles the Father. Jesus responded that to see Him was to see the Father. Jesus’ whole mission as the Messiah was to bring salvation to Israel and to the whole world and to reconcile all humanity to the Father. It’s easy to forget or underestimate this truth. Yet, there it is. Jesus redeems us and brings us back to the Father. This truth illuminates all the truths of Catholic life. We cannot bridge the gap between us and God the Father on our own. Only Jesus redeems us from “Adam’s debt” that fell on us all. It can never be said enough. Jesus brings us all back to the Father.
Let’s take some time simply to pray in gratitude today for Jesus’ gift of salvation. Amen.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections