May 3, Sts. Philip and James

Their message goes out through all the earth. — Psalm 19:5

Mass readings: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 / John 14:6-14

The Chosen  

Today we celebrate the feasts of St. Philip and St. James, two of the original 12 apostles. In some artists’ renderings, they appear opposites. A painting by Peter Paul Rubens portrays Philip as an ascetic gazing longingly into heaven while clutching a wooden cross. El Greco captured a more extraverted St. James swathed in a yellow cloak, arms outstretched toward the viewer. Clearly, each was a man of zeal and faithfulness. 

In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells us he was an apostle “born abnormally” — chosen from the unfaithful who persecuted Christ. Sometimes apostles are chosen from those willing to believe like Philip and James. Sometimes they’re knocked off their feet like Paul. No matter how we were called, as Christ’s followers we were chosen. 

Prayer: Holy apostles, help us imitate you in readily following Christ.