three strikes
" 'Philip,' Jesus replied, "after I have been with you all this time, you still do not know Me?' " —John 14:9
Today we read the same Gospel passage as yesterday. The Lord is repeating Himself because we didn't hear the first time. Many of us are like Philip. We mistakenly think we have a relationship with Jesus because we know about Him and have a religious background.
If, however, we were to face Him today in death or His Second Coming, would we be shocked to hear Jesus say: "I never knew you. Out of My sight, you evildoers!"? (Mt 7:23) Would we plead with Him: "Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? Have we not exorcised demons by its power? Did we not do many miracles in Your name as well?" (Mt 7:22) Would Jesus reply: "None of those who cry out, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Mt 7:21)?
However, the Lord does not intend to surprise us on Judgment Day. He is drawing us close to Him right now. He calls us to repent, change our hearts, transform our lifestyles, and let Him be Lord of every detail of our lives. "Come to Him, a Living Stone, rejected by men but approved, nonetheless, and precious in God's eyes" (1 Pt 2:4). "He who puts his faith in It shall not be shaken" (1 Pt 2:6).
Prayer: Jesus, may I be closer to You than to my spouse, children, parents, or best friend.
Promise: "The word of God continued to spread, while at the same time the number of the disciples in Jerusalem enormously increased. There were many priests among those who embraced the faith." —Acts 6:7
Praise: Praise Jesus, our Lord, Brother, Bridegroom, Food, and Savior, Who reveals Himself to us at every Mass.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 12, 2004
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