Philip is the apostle who was also tested by Jesus before the multiplication of the bread.  His name is Greek, so one could understand that the Jews from Greek background, also in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, would come to him to have access to Jesus.  Their request empties more than just having physical access to Jesus: “Sir, we want to see Jesus”.  However, Jesus’ reply to their request sends everyone back to the paschal mystery of His death and resurrection.  The Son of Man is just about to be glorified, and from now on, Jesus is to be seen only with the eyes of post-Easter faith.

Jesus takes this opportunity to provide one of the most enlightening theological accounts of His upcoming death and resurrection: “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (verse 24).  This tells us everything.  One might say it is the law of nature.  Yes it is, but for Jesus it comes as a free choice and from a total willingness to serve.  There is no other way to be a disciple of Jesus, to be a Christian, than being a loving servant like Him and giving away one’s life “in this world” so as to “keep it for Eternal life” (verse 25).

God Bless

Msgr. Powell