First Reading: Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 98
Gospel: John 14:7-14

The first reading of today’s liturgy, present Paul and Barnabas on the Sabbath day preaching the good news to the Jews as well the so-called Gentiles. The Jews became jealous because in the crowd there were many from non-Jewish origins. Paul and Barnabas, challenged the Jews that, because of their rejection, they were thus turning away from them and going to preach to the Gentiles. The Jews felt rejected and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them away from their region.
This episode of the Jews takes us to another similar situation that John the apostle told Jesus: they saw a person casting out devils and they stopped him because he was not of their group. And you know what Jesus said to John and the other disciples?  “Whoever is not against you is for you” (See Lk 9:49-50; Mk 9:38-40). Therefore, in the kingdom of God there is room for everybody to do good works.
“Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied”, said Philip to Jesus. Today’s gospel is very challenging for us. The question that Philip asked can be also ours. Yet, the challenge that Jesus gave to Philip is given to us as well. We really don’t see the connections why and how our lives and living are related to God. Jesus said to the two disciples of Emmaus: “ How foolish and slow are you to understand…”  
We also see people suffering everywhere, poverty, earthquakes, floods, fired… We see, as well, lack of gratitude, hatred, false accusation, injustice, oppression… Yet all these trials unite us to Christ’s victory,  if we see it with faith. Faith gives us courage and a sense of value and puts a divine meaning into everything.
There are many unanswered questions. Yet, let us be positive in our lives and look to God who loved us so much that He sent us Jesus our savior.       
Fr. Mussie