3rd May: Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles
ST PHILIP was one of the first chosen disciples of Christ. On the way from Judæa to Galilee, our Lord found Philip, and said, “Follow Me.” Philip straightway obeyed; and then in his zeal and charity sought to win Nathaniel also, saying, “We have found Him of whom Moses and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth;” and when Nathaniel in wonder asked, “Can any good come out of Nazareth?” Philip simply answered, “Come and see,” and brought him to Jesus. Another characteristic saying of this Apostle is preserved for us by St John. Christ in His last discourse had spoken of His Father; and Philip exclaimed, in the fervour of his thirst for God, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough.”
ST JAMES was the son of Alphaeus (cf. Matthew 10:3) and a relative of our Lord (cf. Matthew 13:55). He is frequently referred to as “James the Less,” perhaps to indicate that he was younger than the other apostle named James, the brother of John.
Saints Philip and James... Ora Pro Nobis!
Reflection
The Church commemorates on the same day Saints Philip and James, whose bodies lie side by side at Rome. They represent to us two aspects of Christian holiness. The first preaches faith, the second works; the one holy aspirations, the other purity of heart. May we strive to live these each day in preparation for times of trial and for our lives in heaven.
