SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (FEAST)

Their message goes out through all the earth.

Today we celebrate two faithful apostles: Sts. Philip and James. We don’t know a great deal about them, outside of what little the Gospels tell us. But we do know that Jesus chose them to be among his closest followers, and they said yes—and went on to proclaim the “message” of salvation (Psalm 19:5).

Philip lived in Bethsaida, where Jesus called him (John 1:43). Philip not only followed Jesus, but he also led his friend Nathanael to meet the Lord (1:45). He brought Jesus his concerns, saying, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough” to feed the crowds and “Show us the Father” (John 6:7; 14:8).

We know even less about St. James, son of Alphaeus, who is also called James “the Lesser.” His name distinguishes him from the other apostle, James “the Greater,” son of Zebedee, who was killed by Herod in AD 44. Many scholars believe James the Lesser helped Peter lead the church in Jerusalem until he was killed by stoning in AD 62 (Acts 12:17; Galatians 1:19).

Both Sts. Philip and James died as martyrs for preaching the gospel, so their message did indeed go out “to the ends of the world” (Psalm 19:5). That message still goes out today through the apostles’ successors and through every Christian who shares the good news of Jesus—even through you. You may not feel much like an evangelist, but even the apostles started out as ordinary disciples. They heard the call and followed close to Jesus. They learned how to pray, how to serve, and how to minister to people who needed to know their heavenly Father.

Like Philip and James, your encounters with Jesus can equip you to share the good news with someone in your path. So follow their example. Listen to Jesus in the words of Scripture and in the quiet of your prayer. Let him teach you about his Father and fill your heart with zeal to share his love. And don’t be afraid to say, “Come and see” (John 1:46). You might just lead someone to believe in Jesus.

“Lord, help me to share your good news wherever I go.”

1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Psalm 19:2-5
John 14:6-14