May 3, 2005Feast of Saint Philip and Saint James
Philip is listed as one of the Twelve. James, a member of the Twelve, is referred to as the “brother/cousin” of the Lord – a family member who became the leader of the early Church in Jerusalem. A church in Rome has the relics of these two saints under the main altar, and that is why they are honored together in today’s feast.
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In John’s Gospel, Phillip is among the first disciples called by Jesus. Twice he is a conduit for Jesus’ teachings.
• Jesus, wanting to feed the multitude, asks Philip “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” Philip replies that even 200 days’ wages worth wouldn’t be enough. Jesus them miraculously feeds the people.
• At the Last Supper, Jesus says that if the apostles know him, they also know the Father. Philip says, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus replies, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
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James, a relative of Jesus, is among those to whom Paul says the risen Jesus appeared:
He appeared to Kephas, then to the Twelve. After that he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me
(1 Cor 15:4-8)
Tuesday, Sixth Week of Easter”You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1: 8
The Holy Spirit again. One begins to realize how central the Spirit is to what we are about.
In these last words before his ascension, the risen Jesus tells them (and us): “You will be witnesses to me even to the ends of the earth.”
Thus we are to be, not only faithful followers, but witnesses. This is one of Luke’s main themes “witness” is used 20 times in Acts). This book will end with Paul, a prisoner in Rome, ”bearing witness to the kingdom of God.”
How do I witness? Street-corner preaching? Unlikely. I witness by whatever “shines” through my life all day long. It can be faith, hope and love. Or it can be skepticism, pessimism and apathy.
It’s something like daytime running lights on a car – they’re always “on”. My light shines before others whether I like it or not. I can’t turn it off. My only choice is what kind of light shall shine.
Shall I smile…or look blank?
Shall I be kind…or neutral?
Shall I be forgiving…or make them pay for what they did?
Shall I heal…or just watch?
Shall I speak constructively…or negatively?
”You will be my witnesses.”
Spend some quiet time with the Risen Lord.
