The mystery of mutual indwelling of the Father and the Son is one of the most beautiful revelations of Jesus in the Gospel of John. But it is not a closed circle; it is open to the disciples too: “If you know me, then you will also know my Father” (v 7).

This “knowing” is not an abstract and static relationship but a dynamic one that produces fruits of active love. The “works” that Jesus does, bringing hope and healing, being bread and light for the life of the world (Jn 4–10), are all evidence of the love that flows between Father and Son.

The disciples will be able to carry out the same works of love as Jesus promises, and even “greater ones.” They will go beyond the boundaries of Galilee and Jerusalem and will be accompanied by the Spirit of Jesus to proclaim the marvels of God to the ends of the earth.

First Reading • Acts 13:44-52

On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said.

Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

For so the Lord has commanded us, I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.”

The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region.

The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.

The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” or “Alleluia.”

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.”