05/03/2026

May is quite a busy month. We just celebrated First Communion for our second graders yesterday, and we have another first communion this coming Saturday. We also dedicate the entire month of May to Mary, and we have Mother’s Day next week, followed by the Solemnity of the Ascension. Moreover, in Korea, May is a time to celebrate Children’s Day, Parents’ Day, and Teachers’ Day.

For these reasons, May is full of excitement and joy. But ultimately, all of these celebrations—whether secular or religious—are grounded in gratitude.

You know, we receive so many gifts from God for which to be grateful: our parents, children, siblings, teachers, our talents, our time, and above all, Jesus our Lord. But we easily forget about them because they are so close to us; they are always there. It is much like how we often forget the precious necessity of the air we breathe or the water we drink.

As I mentioned, St. Luke’s school had the second grade’s first communion yesterday. So, on Thursday, we had a rehearsal for that. They were buzzing with excitement, mixed with a pinch of nervousness.

After the first rehearsal, the teacher asked, “Do you want another rehearsal?” I expected “No.” But they all screamed, “Yes”, literally jumping and dancing with joy.

And they lined up and did the second rehearsal. Afterward, they couldn't stop talking about it: “I can’t wait for Saturday!” “I can’t wait to wear my new suit!”

Seeing their preparation, excitement, and joy, I thought to myself. “Am I truly excited to receive communion?” “Do I really prepare to say mass with this excitement and joy?”

And I invite you all to the same question. Are you overexcited, overjoyed in receiving Jesus?

Admittedly, I have found myself growing a bit numb as these sacred moments become like routine and more familiar.

We can approach today’s Gospel from that perspective. In the Gospel, St. Philip longs to see the Father. He says to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” But Jesus reminds him of what he has overlooked: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

All the miracles, the love, and the mercy that Jesus had shown clearly indicated that He was one with the Father; actually, the disciples were already calling Jesus “Lord,” yet they had grown so used to being with Him that they perhaps became numb to what that truly meant. That’s probably why Philip was searching for some new, "fresh" sign in his journey of faith.

Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is with us in the most familiar parts of our lives: in the people around us, in our daily circumstances, and in our quietest moments—like our daily prayers and conversations with family, friends, and neighbors.

Renew your gratitude for Emmanuel God in the beautiful familiarity of your daily lives.