Posted by The WORD in other words (2021) by Fr. Samuel Agcaracar, SVD – Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City
Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles – May 3
Today is the Feast of the apostles Philip and James. Philip, one of Christ’s first disciples, was called soon after his baptism in the Jordan. Saint James the Less, brother of the Apostle Jude, is different from the James of Acts of the Apostles. He is not the son of Clopas, “brother” of Jesus who later became bishop of Jerusalem and the traditional author of the Letter of James.
Today’s Gospel is part of the long account of John on the Last Supper, where Jesus speaks at length to his disciples. Affected by the increasing pressures from Jesus’ enemies to arrest and kill Him, the apostles were confused and anxious. They were not ready to let go of Jesus as many aspects of his teaching they still did not understand.
Thomas interjected: “We do not know where you are going; how can we possibly know the way?” Jesus gently replied: “I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
However, the other disciples struggled to understand. So, Philip pleaded: “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” In response, Jesus solemnly pointed out the communion between him and the Father.
Looking at all the Apostles leads us to say that God can carry out his plans with seemingly inferior materials. For despite their inadequacies, the apostles sowed the seed of what would be a worldwide community against which the ‘gates of hell’ would not prevail.
No matter what our gifts are, or the lack of them, we are called to show others the Way that is Truth and Life. Paul, who preached the Gospel in many places, was aware of his weaknesses. But anchored in God, he proclaimed: “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Today’s examples of the apostles, particularly Philip, James, and Paul, remind us to put our confidence in God who sees beyond our weaknesses and limitations.
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