Works Greater Than These – Reflection on John 14:6-14
Believing that “works greater than these” nagged me for over four decades. Undoubtedly, the question of Christ’s response to Thomas and Philip has become real for you at some point in your journey. Almost every Christian I have had deep conversations with has their own story. Miles away from anything in a forest hike, I stopped to challenge divinity, shouting at the top of my lungs, “Jesus, explain this” without any expectation. My mind desperately needed to catch up to my heart. I collapsed to my knees in a stunning understanding for the first time. Before the forest moment, I had not realized I had seen and participated in “works greater than these” numerous times. From that moment forward, I knew we could call out, and Jesus would initiate the works because He, through us, was not done yet.
Address to Saint Philip by James Tissot (full resolution).
More detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 14:6-14 – Scripture*
Jesus the Way to the Father
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 14:6-14 Reflection – Works Greater Than These.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the John 14 Bible passage.
This site follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Works Greater Than These
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