Martyred for Their Faith
Ss Philip and James, Pray for Us!
The feast of Saints Philip and James the Less on May 3rd is a day to celebrate two men who chose to be followers of Christ and upon the Resurrection went out into the world to preach the gospel.
Jesus chose both men to be his apostles. Philip is mentioned in the gospel of John, which tells us Philip was from Bethsaida (the same as Andrew and Peter) and was the third man approached by Christ to “Follow me.” He was also the apostle that went to Nathanael and affirmed Jesus was indeed the Messiah “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth (John 1:43-51).”
James, who was also called “James the Less,” was either younger or smaller than the other Apostle named James. His mother was close to our Blessed Mother and stood with her at the cross. Christ appeared to James after His Resurrection. After Christ’s Ascension it was James who went out to begin the Christian church community in Jerusalem. He was the author of the first Epistle and was then referred to as “James the Just.” St. Paul calls him one of the pillars of our faith.
In his letter (James 5:13-20) he writes about the significance our role in the faith is by specifically addressing the power of prayer, confession, intercession, and conversion.
Both men were martyred for the faith. Even though they did not die at the same time or place the Church honors these men together, because their remains/relics were moved and buried at the Basilica of the 12 Holy Apostles in Rome, on the same day.
Lord, give us the confidence and loyalty of these great saints in order to have a positive influence in your name in this world. AMEN!
