Reflection for Saturday May 2 Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: John 14:7-14

Gospel: John 14:7-14

Jesus said to his disciples: "If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? 

Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. 

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. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

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Reflection:

Do we truly believe in the pronouncement of Jesus that He is one with God? We may quickly answer yes—but faith invites us to go deeper than words.

Belief alone is not enough. We are called to move beyond simply knowing and begin living what we profess. Our belief must take flesh in our daily lives, becoming a living faith—a faith that can be seen and felt through our deeds. For when we claim to believe, yet fail to show mercy, compassion, and love, our faith risks becoming empty and lifeless.

Jesus gently but firmly reminds us in the Gospel, “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do” (John 14:12). This is not just a statement—it is an invitation and a challenge. It calls us to examine our hearts and our actions. Are we truly reflecting the life of Jesus in the way we live? Do we reach out to those who are in need? Do our words bring healing, comfort, and hope to those who are hurting? Or do we sometimes find ourselves quick to judge, to criticize, and to condemn?

It is easy for us to profess our belief in the oneness of Jesus and God. Yet, each day, we are invited to prove this belief—not only in what we say, but in how we love, how we forgive, and how we serve.

As we come before the Lord in silence, let us open our hearts and ask for the grace to live what we believe. May our faith not remain in words alone, but be made visible through lives that reflect His compassion and truth.

Now, let us ask ourselves with honesty and humility: if others were to see our lives today, would they recognize the presence of Jesus in us—or are we still holding back from fully living the faith we profess?—Marino J. Dasmarinas