May 3, 2012 FEAST of SS Philip and James, Apostles 1 Cor 15: 1-8; John 14: 6-14
During these weeks after Easter, the first readings give us a snapshot of the early history of the Church. The ministries of the Apostles are highlighted and we get a glimpse of what they encountered on their missionary journeys to spread the Gospel.
We really don’t know too much about the Apostles Philip and James … BUT … we do know that they suffered martyrdom.
In today’s first reading we are reminded again that Jesus died for our sins … that He was buried … that He rose from the dead … and that He appeared to the Apostles.
In the Gospel … we are reminded that whoever sees Jesus … also sees the Father … since Jesus and the Father are one … consubstantial as we say in our new translation.
Today’s responsorial psalm “Their message goes out to all the world” … plays a very important role in tying the first and second readings together into a neat little bundle that reminds us that we are to do our part each day to share the Gospel with others.
The work of the Apostles … and most notably the Apostles Philip and James … was enormously important and continues to be foundational for the Church today.
WE … are the Church today.
May we do our part to bring those around us … to the joy and peace we have found in Jesus.
