Feast of Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles
Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Philip and Saint James, first century Apostles of Jesus. Last week we read about Philip and how the Spirit led him to baptize the Ethiopian eunuch, marking the beginning of the eventual spread of the gospel outside of the confines of Jerusalem. We also hear of Philip in today’s gospel (John 14: 6-14) with the other disciples and Jesus at the last supper, trying to understand Jesus and asking Jesus to show them the Father. Jesus then explains that if they know him, they know the Father because he dwells in him. (Keep in mind that even the first disciples, eventual saints, didn’t have it all figured out!)
In today’s first reading (1 Corinthians 15: 1-8), Paul mentions James in his letter to the people of Corinth, as one of the disciples the risen Christ first appeared to. It has been suggested that this James was the same one known as “the brother of the Lord,” and is also believed to be the author of the scriptural Letter of James. This short New Testament letter reveals that James was concerned about class divisions within the community of faith in the early church. He reminded the church not to discriminate against the poor or show partiality to the rich. In chapter 2 of James’ letter we read, “Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?”
James was also concerned about some Christians dismissing the value of “works”. While Paul preached salvation by faith, James was pointing out that true faith is revealed in good works, especially works that show mercy to the poor and justice to the oppressed. James was basically saying that if we have real faith we will be doing good works; that they go hand in hand.
Today’s gospel passage ties into James’ message with Jesus speaking to his disciples at the last supper, “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these…” So, if we believe in Jesus our actions should show it!
Returning to today’s first reading, Paul is writing to the Corinthians and responding to a different sort of problem than what James wrote about. Apparently, some of the early Christians of Corinth were denying the resurrection of the dead. Today’s passage is the first of three parts of his response to this denial. This first section recalls the fundamental content of the Christian faith regarding Jesus’ death and resurrection based in part on historic fact and in part on faith. It is said to be the first creed written in the scriptures.
Clearly, there were problems, doubts, divisions and even some misunderstandings in the early church, as we also see today. If you sometimes feel lost, as I do, I hope you will find comfort and direction in Jesus’ words to his first disciples in today’s gospel, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Let us focus on Jesus and his words as we strive to be true disciples of Jesus, like Philip and James. And let us ask Jesus for guidance, for he also said, “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14: 14)
- Eileen Miller