Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles

Fr Paul reads from the Gospel of John’s Gospel (14: 7-14) in which the Jesus asks his disciples ‘Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?’.

Fr Paul says we might recognise this Gospel as we used it as part of our reflections last week.  It is used specifically today because it mentions Philip since we are celebrating the feast of Philip and James.

In Philip’s case, we know he was born at Bethsaida. He started out as a disciple of John the Baptist.  After John’s death, he followed Jesus.

For James, we know he was the son of Alphaeus. James, the brother of the Lord, ruled the Church at Jerusalem; He wrote an Epistle.  He led an austere life and converted my Jews the faith.  James, son of Alphaeus was also known as ‘James the Less’ to distinguish him from James, son of Zebedee.  It has been debated that these may be one and the same person.
In some sense, we could think of today’s feast as that of Philip, James, and James.

Fr Paul says, as we celebrate this Feast on this day in the tradition of our church, we ask them to pray for us.