Philip appears in the stories of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes...he reports on the boy who has them...and at the last supper asks Jesus to "show us the Father," provoking the exasperated response of Jesus, "Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?" (Jn 14:9) Thanks to his request, we have a strong statement of Jesus describing his relationship with his Father. (See Jn 14:9-12) ).
James, referred to as "the less" or "the Minor" because he was younger than James, the brother of John, was a cousin of Jesus, later became Bishop of Jerusalem, lived an ascetic life, and wrote the Letter of James, included in the New Testament. He was stoned and clubbed to death, and his body was sawed in pieces. A pestle (representing the club), a saw, and a book, representing his authority as a teacher, are symbols associated with him.
Both saints stand as models of what Jesus asks of us this Easter time: despite our limitations and shortcomings, to live the Gospel and by our lives and witness of our actions and words to bring the Message of salvation to others: that is, that it is Jesus who saves, who works through us and depends on us to be his apostles despite those limitations. Saints. Philip and James, help us to carry the Good News to others and not use our weaknesses or "unworthiness" as an excuse to hold us back. You need us, as we need you!
Bro. Rene
Note: Here is the link to my interview on Catholic TV yesterday...Kinda fun to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
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