Short Homily – Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Theme: “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”

📖 Readings:
– Acts 13:44–52
– Psalm 98:1, 2–3ab, 3cd–4
– John 14:7–14

😄 
There was once a little boy who, during Sunday school, was asked, “Where is God?” He pointed upwards. “In heaven?” the teacher asked. “No,” he said confidently, “in our lounge—Mum says God visits every time Father comes for tea!”
Sometimes we want proof that God is near. But like Philip in today’s Gospel, we forget that God has been with us all along.

📖 The Word of God

In John 14:7–14, Philip says, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” It’s a very human request. We want signs. We want clarity. Jesus responds with loving firmness: “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?”
To see Jesus is to see the Father. He is the visible face of the invisible God.
In Acts 13, we hear of Paul and Barnabas facing jealousy and rejection from the Jews. But instead of despair, they turn to the Gentiles, boldly proclaiming the Good News.
They remind us: if one door closes, God opens another. And the Gospel cannot be stopped—it spreads like a joyful fire, especially among those hungry for hope.

🕊️ Eucharist: Encountering the Father in Jesus

The Eucharist is where we meet the Father—in Jesus, fully present. When we gather at the altar, we don’t just remember Him—we receive Him.
Just as Jesus said, “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it,” so too we bring all our prayers to Him in this sacred meal.

❓ Question for Reflection

Do I recognise God’s presence in my everyday life—or am I still asking for signs like Philip?

🧭 Daily Practical Application

Today, try this:
👉 When you speak to a family member, colleague, or friend, silently remind yourself: “Jesus is here.”
👉 Respond with the compassion you would offer if you truly believed God was present in that moment.

💡 For Those Who Encounter Difficulties

Maybe you feel abandoned or overlooked, like Paul and Barnabas in Antioch. But remember: rejection is not the end of your story.
When one space doesn’t welcome you, God leads you to another. Your voice matters. You are part of a greater mission.

🎉 What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

• Join or start a prayer group in your parish.

• Visit someone who feels forgotten.

• Give time to a ministry you’ve avoided because you think you’re “not holy enough.”
  God calls ordinary people—like you and me—to do extraordinary things.

🌍 A South African Touch

In South Africa, we often say, "ngamandla kaThixo—by the power of God." Let us truly live that. In our schools, clinics, homes, and parishes, may people say: “Here is someone who shows us the Father.”

💬 Inspirational Quote

"To see Jesus is to see the Father. To love like Jesus is to become His face in the world."

🔚 Conclusion

Let us stop looking up and around for God—as if He’s far away.
He is here. In Jesus. In the Word. In the Eucharist. In your neighbour. In you.
Be that visible sign of the Father’s love today.

🙏 Short Prayer

Lord Jesus,
When I doubt, remind me that You are near.
When I feel rejected, lead me to new paths.
When I struggle, strengthen my hope.
May I, like Philip, come to see the Father in You—and share His love with all I meet.
Amen.