We may sometimes be surprised at the way in which the disciples react to Jesus' teaching or ask him questions or make requests of him. Yet, if we remember that the Gospels are not only about Jesus but also about us human beings, we will have more sympathy for these fishermen of Galilee confronted with the great mystery of the Word made flesh and still without the revelation of Easter and the gift of the Holy Spirit. In sympathizing with them we may humbly learn to reflect on ourselves: We live in the time after the resurrection in a church guided by the Holy Spirit but sometimes understand the teaching of Jesus as little as the disciples did in their pre-Resurrection situation. When Jesus responded to Philip, we do not know what tone of voice he used though I would be sure that he answered Philip gently and caringly. For Philip's request was not really an extraordinary or outlandish one. Listening to Jesus speak of the Father, who was certainly beyond the immediate experience of the disciples, Philip's request appears quite natural and understandable, a true desire of the human heart.