Saturday May 3, 2025
Who Are Sts. Philip and James?
Sts. Philip and James, also known as St. Philip the Apostle and St. James the Less, are two of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Although they are often overshadowed by some of the more well-known apostles such as Peter, Paul, and John, Philip and James played important roles in the early Christian church.
Saint Philip the Apostle
St. Philip the Apostle is believed to have been born in Bethsaida, a small fishing village on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. According to the Gospel of John, Philip was one of the first disciples to be called by Jesus. He is remembered for his role in the feeding of the five thousand, when he questioned Jesus about how they would be able to feed such a large crowd. Jesus replied, “You give them something to eat.” (John 6:5-7)
St. Philip’s question to Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father and it is sufficient for us,” is a significant moment in the Gospel of John. It highlights the importance of faith and trust in Jesus as the way to know and understand God. By asking to see the Father, Philip was expressing a desire for a tangible and visible sign of God’s presence. Jesus’ response that “he who has seen me has seen the Father,” emphasizes that he is the perfect image of the Father.
As Christians, we believe that through faith in Jesus, we can know God and have a personal relationship with him. St. Philip’s question and Jesus’ response continue to be relevant to us today as we seek to deepen our faith and understanding of God. We too, can ask God to reveal himself to us, but we must trust in Jesus as the way to truly know and understand him.
Saint James the Less
James, the son of Alphaeus, also known as James the Just. He is often referred to as “the Less” to differentiate him from the other apostle named James, the son of Zebedee. The nickname may have referred to his age or height, but its exact meaning is uncertain. James was recognized for his devoutness and dedication to prayer, and he played a crucial role in the early Christian community in Jerusalem.
The Impact of Saints Philip and James
Both Philip and James traveled extensively as missionaries, spreading the teachings of Jesus throughout the Mediterranean world. According to tradition, Phillip preached in Greece and Asia Minor, and was eventually martyred in Hierapolis, in present-day Turkey. James, on the other hand, remained in Jerusalem and became the leader of the Christian community there. He was also martyred for his faith.
Despite their different paths and ultimate fates, both Philip and James are remembered as models of faith and devotion to Christ. They remind us that following Christ is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Their lives and witness continue to inspire Christians around the world today, as we strive to live out our faith in a world that is often hostile to the Gospel.
The feast day for Sts. Philip and James is May 3.
Patron Saint of …
St. Philip is the patron saint of hatters, pastry chefs, bakers, and cooks. St. James the Lesser is the the patron saint of apothecaries, pharmacists, druggists, dying people, fullers, and milliners.
Daily Mass Readings for the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
- First Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-8: I remind you of the Gospel I preached. Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to many.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: The sky and heavens display God’s glory. Every day and night share truths about Him. Their voice reaches every corner of the world.
- Gospel – John 14:6-14: Jesus speaks to his disciples, declaring that he is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one can come to the Father except through him. Jesus also promises that his followers will do greater works than he did, and that they can ask for anything in his name and he will do it.
Homilies and Reflections for the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
Word on Fire: Philip Doesn’t Get It
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for the Feast of Saints Philip and James. In his reflection, he discusses a passage from John’s Gospel, chapter fourteen, during the Last Supper. Here, Jesus emphasizes his intimate connection with the Father, telling his disciples that knowing him is knowing the Father. He highlights that his words and actions are direct manifestations of the Father’s will. Despite this clear message, Philip struggles to understand, asking Jesus to show them the Father, missing the point of Jesus’ unity and humility with the Father.
USCCB Reflection: We Never Stop Searching
On the Feast of Saints Philip and James, the USCCB video reflection focuses on our inherent desire for God, highlighting how this desire is fundamentally a search for happiness, peace, and truth. The Catechism explains that God instills this desire in every human heart as we are created by and for Him. In the day’s Gospel, Jesus assures Thomas that knowing Him is to know God, as He is the visible representation of God’s love. Jesus embodies the path to fulfilling our deepest longings for connection with the divine, emphasizing that true happiness and peace are found in Him.
Resources for the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
Social Media Graphics for the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
Questions and Answers for the Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
Who were Sts. Philip and James?
Sts. Philip and James, or St. Philip the Apostle and St. James the Less, were among the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Philip was among the first disciples called by Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of John. However, there is limited information available about the life of St. James.
What date is the Feast of Saints Philip and James?
The Feast of Saints Philip and James is observed annually on May 3.
The next date for the feast is Saturday May 3, 2025.
What are the Mass readings for Feast of Philip and James, Apostles?
The Mass readings for Saturday May 3, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-8: The Resurrection
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: The Glory of God in Creation
Gospel – John 14:6-14: Knowing Through Jesus
Who were Saints Philip and James?
Saints Philip and James were two of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. They followed Jesus during His ministry on Earth and are celebrated for their roles as early Christian martyrs and saints.
Why are Sts. Philip and James celebrated on the same day?
The Catholic Church commemorates Philip and James together on May 3rd. This date marks the dedication of a church in Rome where their relics are said to be housed.
What is known about Saint Philip’s life?
Saint Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew. He played a key role in the early church and is known for his preaching and evangelization, especially in Greece, where he is believed to have been martyred.
What can we learn from Saint Philip?
From Saint Philip, we learn the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of our faith. His interactions with Jesus teach us that asking questions and desiring more knowledge about God are parts of a healthy spiritual life.
What is known about Saint James’s life?
Saint James, often called James the Less to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, was another faithful apostle. The Bible gives fewer details about his life, but he is honored for his dedication and service to the church.
What can we learn from Saint James?
Saint James’s life reminds us that not everyone is called to be in the forefront. His quiet, steady devotion shows that one can serve God faithfully in both large and small roles within the Christian community.
How did Philip and James die?
Both saints are believed to have died as martyrs for their faith. Philip is said to have been crucified, while James was reportedly stoned and then clubbed to death.
How can Saints Philip and James inspire Christians today?
Saints Philip and James inspire Christians to follow Jesus closely, ask thoughtful questions, and serve God faithfully. They exemplify different ways to live out one’s faith actively and devoutly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lives of Saints Philip and James offer profound lessons about the nature of discipleship and the close relationship each disciple had with Jesus. Both men were early followers of Christ, chosen to accompany Him during His ministry and witness His teachings and miracles first-hand. Their stories remind us of the importance of seeking and recognizing Jesus in our lives.
Philip’s interaction with Jesus, especially his request to see the Father, highlights a crucial aspect of faith: the struggle to understand the divine fully. Despite his doubts, Philip’s sincere desire to know more about God shows his deep faith. From him, we learn that it is okay to ask questions and seek deeper understanding in our relationship with God. This openness leads to greater insight and closeness to the divine.
James, often referred to as James the Less to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, showed similar devotion. Though less is known about his individual interactions with Jesus, his steadfast presence among the apostles speaks to his loyalty and commitment. His role may remind us that every member of the community has a valuable part to play, regardless of how prominent their role seems.
Together, Philip and James exemplify the diverse ways disciples can follow Jesus. They teach us that our journey of faith might be filled with questions and challenges, but these are natural elements of growing closer to God. Their stories encourage us to persevere in our faith, seek understanding, and contribute to our communities with humility and devotion.
Reflecting on the lives of Philip and James, we are reminded of the importance of our personal relationship with Jesus. Like them, we are called to follow Christ closely, learn from Him, and spread His message through our words and actions. Let us take inspiration from these two saints to deepen our faith and live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.
Your Turn
As we celebrate the feast day of Sts. Philip and James, let us remember their example and pray that we too may have the courage to follow Christ wherever he may lead us. May their prayers and intercession strengthen us in our faith and help us to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel in our own time and place.
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