Today is the feast day of St. Philip and St. James (the Lesser) apostles of Jesus. Most feast days commemorate one particular saint. On occasion, however, two saints will be honored together. St. Philip and St. James are commemorated together on this day because their relics were brought together to Rome in 560 A.D. The relics were placed together in a basilica that would bear their name. Today that church has been red dedicated to honor all twelve Apostles.
Both Philip and James are among Jesus‘s original Twelve Apostles. They would have been witness to much of Jesus’ teaching as well as many of his miracles. Ultimately they would have been witness to his passion and resurrection. The New Testament identifies Phillip as being from Bethsaida (see John 1:44), and was an early follower of John the Baptist along with Andrew. After John identified Jesus as “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” he began to follow Jesus. Philip becomes one of the first evangelists when he brought Nathaniel along to follow Jesus as well (see John 1:43-51). Philip is mentioned most often in the gospel of John, figuring somewhat prominently in events, such as the feeding of the 5000 (John 6:1-15), bringing Greeks to see Jesus (John 12:20-26), and the Last Supper (John 14:8-14). According to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs Philip, “labored and upper Asia, and suffered murdered them at Heliopolis, in Phrygia. He was discouraged, thrown into prison, and afterward crucified, A.D. 54”.
St. James is often called “the Younger,” “the Lesser,” or “the Little” to distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee, the brother of John. There is some uncertainty surrounding James and his relationship to Jesus. The New Testament writers do not record his calling by Jesus, as some of the others are. He is listed among the Twelve as one of the original Apostles. So of that we are certain. Tradition tells us that James is a relative of Jesus (either brother or cousin), and that he is the same James, who became the bishop of Jerusalem and the author of the epistle bearing the same name. This is slightly confusing because the Anglican tradition commemorates St. James of Jerusalem on October 23. However, this is likely resolved as there are varying calendars among the different liturgical traditions. Nonetheless (no pun intended) James was most certainly an apostle and an early martyr of the church. Again, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs indicates that “At the age of ninety-four [James] was beat and stoned by the Jews, and finally had his brains dashed out with a fuller’s club.”
As we reflect on St. Philip and St. James today, may we heed the same calling of following Jesus and sharing the gospel no matter the cost. we too, must be willing to give our lives for the sake of Jesus, if he so calls. We don’t have to go to modern-day Turkey or Jerusalem, but we can go to our family, friends, and Neighbors with the good news of the kingdom of God.
Collect (Prayer) of the Day
Almighty God, you gave to your apostles Philip and James the grace and strength to bear witness to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life: Grant that we, being mindful of their victory of faith, may glorify in life and death the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (taken from the ACNA Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Bible Reading
Matthew 10:1-4 (ESV)
And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Photo Credit Unsplash.com
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