Saints Philip and James - Family Reflection Video

For centuries, only four apostles were honored with special feasts in the Catholic Church: Saints Peter and Paul, Saint John the Evangelist, and Saint Andrew, the brother of Peter. June 29 was the day to remember the remaining apostles. But in the sixth century, the bodies of Saints Philip and James were brought to Rome from the East, where they were initially buried. Having arrived together at the same location, both apostles share a feast day. 

Saint James, son of Alphaeus, is often called "Saint James the Less" to distinguish him from the apostle James, the brother of John, sons of Zebedee. His nickname likely refers to his young age, not that he was less important. In fact, this James was referred to as "the brother of the Lord" because his mother was related to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is said that Mary sometimes confused James the Less with Jesus because they looked so much alike. According to this story, Judas kissed Jesus to identify Him when he betrayed Him because James resembled Jesus. 

The Letter of Saint James is attributed to him and is most famous for its line, "Faith without works is dead" (Jas 2:20). It is also from the book of James that the Catholic Church derives the Sacrament of the Sick since it says, "Is anyone sick among you? He should call the elders of the church, who will anoint him with oil, and the Lord will heal him." (Jas 5:14-15). He had a very austere life. 

In 61 A.D., Jewish leaders accused James of breaking the Law and delivered him to the mob. At the top of the Temple, James was beaten and pressed to deny Jesus was the Messiah. James refused, stating that Jesus would return to judge the world on the last day. Jewish leaders pushed him off the Temple battlements. James knelt in prayer despite being bruised by his fall. They violently rained stones down upon him as he prayed for their forgiveness. Eventually, someone struck him on the head with a club, and he died. 

Saint Philip was one of the first apostles to be called by Christ. From Bethsaida, at first, he was a disciple of John the Baptist. The Lord found Philip in Galilee after calling Peter and Andrew. Saint James the Less remained a virgin at the time of his calling, unlike Philip, who was married and a father to several daughters. 

Nathanael was brought to the Lord by Philip. As one of the first apostles, Philip came to faith directly from Christ. In John's Gospel, Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses and the prophets wrote about - Jesus of Nazareth." (Jn 1:45). Philip only needed a few words from Christ to believe in Him. Philip felt compelled to bring another into Christ's fellowship in his newfound faith. 

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael's response prompts Philip to deliver one of his most memorable Scripture lines, "Come and see" (Jn 1:46). In Philip's argument, one must encounter Christ personally in order to believe in Him. 

We often waver in our faith as fickle humans. Scripture says that the crowd approached Jesus, so he asked Philip, "Where can we buy bread for these people?" Philip replied, "It would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each of them!" (Jn 6:5-7). Jesus was only testing Philip, as He already had plans. 

Jesus tests Philip, and Philip fails as Jesus rolls five loaves into enough food for five thousand men a few moments later. 

At the Last Supper, Philip also speaks after Jesus says, "No one comes to the Father except through me. Knowing me will mean knowing my Father. From now on, you will know him." Philip replies, "Show us the Father, and we'll be satisfied." 

Jesus responds, “Having been among you so long, don't you know me, Philip? Anyone who sees me has seen the Father. How can you say, show us the Father?” As we see from both of these examples in John's Gospel, Philip's faith remains feeble despite his quick ascent to faith in Christ. Philip's example shows that God can still work through us despite our weaknesses. 

Philip was martyred for his faith in Christ, like James the Less. In 62 A.D., he was crucified upside down after preaching with Bartholomew in Greece. 

Philip and James were apostles who gave their lives for Christ and now rest in the Basilica of the Holy Apostles, awaiting their resurrection. Like the other apostles, James and Philip were ordinary men who became foundational pillars of the Church. This serves as a reminder that holiness and apostolic work are gifts from God, not something that can be achieved only through human efforts. Let us remind ourselves with Saint James that our "Faith without works is dead," and let us pray with Saint Philip, "Lord, show us the Father."

• Today’s readings

• Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

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