The Feast of Saints Philip and James

1 Cor. 15:1-8, Jn 14:6-14. Today, the Church invites us to celebrate the feast of two Apostles of Jesus: Philip the son of Aphaeus and James the Just. St James, not the son of Zebedee and brother of John, is rarely mentioned in the Gospels and was not among the first circle of disciples. Seeing James chairing the first Council of the Church in Jerusalem surprises many, who think mainly of Peter as leading the Church after Christ. When James spoke, people listened and his views were relevant. He was a man of great dignity whom the early Church nicknamed “James the Just.” Such was his prestige that when Peter set off on apostolic mission abroad, James was elected leader of the local Christians in Jerusalem.

According to a Church historian, Eusebius, James was a Nazirite, who from birth never drank alcohol nor ate meat, dressed simply and never married, but dedicated himself to prayer and study. It was for this reason that James enjoyed precedence among his peers. We are called to learn from James and become reliable in times of crisis. Philip has a higher profile in the Gospel, although he hardly features in the Acts of the Apostles. He was among the first disciples to be “found” by Jesus and to hear the call, “Follow me”. Philip in turn finds his friend Nathanael or Bartholomew and commends Jesus to him as “the one about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote.” Today, we are challenged to learn from Philip as he was a man disposed to sharing what he has; one that spread God’s blessings in a generous way.

May the Lord help us with insight to see, hear and feel God all around and our lives become true reflection of the presence of God in the world! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!