1CORINTHIANS 15:1-8; PSALM 19; JOHN 14:6-14
The first reading speaks of the Lord’s appearance to James, then to all the Apostles and last of all, the Lord appeared to Paul. Beloved, the Lord’s appearance to his apostles doubles as a mandate for them to witness to him. Our encounter with Jesus must be reflected in our relationship with others.
Today, the Church celebrate Philip and James. Philip was born in Bethsaida in Galilee and was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. After his call Philip engaged in mission and brought many converts to the faith; he equally witnessed to Nathaniel.
On the other hand, James the Less, so called because he was younger than the other Apostle by the same name, James the Great. James the less became the head of the Church in Jerusalem after Jesus’ Ascension. These men bore witness to Christ in their generation. Every Christian must be able to bear witness to Christ. Let us imitate their faith.
LET US PRAY
O God, who gladden us each year with the feast day of the Apostles Philip and James, grant us, through their prayers, a share in the Passion and Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son, so that we may merit to behold you for eternity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
