Feast of Sts. Philip and James, Apostles

“If you ask anything of me in My Name, I will do it.” – John 14:14

       When I taught in college, there were times when I’d eat by myself during breaks. One day, I ordered my lunch at a fast food chain. When I was about to pay, I realized I was short by 25 centavos.

       I got an inspiration and I prayed that God would use it to provide for what I lacked. I began walking around the restaurant looking for a 25-centavo coin on the floor. When I couldn’t find any, I went out of the restaurant searching for the answer to my simple prayer.

       I walked into a nearby parking lot and, from afar, I saw a 25-centavo coin on the ground like it was waving at me. I picked it up with joy and celebrated as if I won the jackpot in a lottery. It was a simple prayer and I got what I asked for.

      After that miracle, I was sure that He’ll continue to give me what’s best for my life. JC Libiran (CoachJCLibiran@gmail.com)

Reflection: Don’t just ask for small things. You have a big God!

My God, grant me not just what I want. Grant me what’s best for my life. Amen.

1^ST READING

Jesus appeared to the Apostles and many others. We probably have not experienced such a grace and blessing. God is present to us in many ways — we only need to open our eyes and minds to this reality. He is present in the sacraments, in people, in creation and others. Let this knowledge strengthen us so that we will better manifest Christ to those around us.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8

1 I am reminding you, brothers and sisters, of the Gospel I preached to you, which you indeed received and in which you also stand. 2 Through it you are also being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; 4 that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; 5 that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 After that he appeared to James, then to all the Apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.

P S A L M

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: Their message goes out through all the earth.

1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament  proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. He has pitched a tent there for the sun, 5 [6] which comes forth like the groom from his. (R)

GOSPEL 

In John’s Gospel, Jesus declares that He speaks only about what the Father wants Him to say. He does not promote His own agenda. This is the way we must proclaim the Gospel. It is not a medium for social reform based on our own perceptions. It is proclaiming the truth of our humanity as revealed by God. 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; Philip, whoever has seen me has seen the Father.

John 14:6-14

6 Jesus said to Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. 12 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

think: The Gospel is about proclaiming the truth of our humanity as revealed by God.

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: __________________

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God’s special verse/thought for me today_

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Deuteronomy 19-22

FROM NEED TO GREED

Today we celebrate the feast of Philip and James, two of the twelve Apostles that Jesus called to be His constant companions (see Mark 3:13-19). The saints and the holy ones are placed before us as icons of Christian discipleship. But note that they are important spiritual signposts not because they always model for us what it means to be a follower of Christ. Sometimes, their stories also show us what it does not mean to be a disciple of Christ, insofar as they, too, are fallible and flawed individuals like you and me, in a constant journey to that state of perfection that Jesus is calling us to. James has one of those infamous moments.

       Remember that in Mark 10:35-45, James, along with his brother, John (they are sons of Zebedee), boldly requested Jesus that they sit, one on His right and one on His left when Jesus comes into His kingdom (see Mark 10:37). It was a bold request for power that, later we discover, the other disciples resented (see Mark 10:41).

       To be fair, the desire for power is not at all evil in itself. In fact, even Jesus, in many instances in the Gospels, acknowledged that the Apostles actually would need power from on high if they are to accomplish their ministry. (See Mark 16:17-18.) There we see a long list of extraordinary powers that Jesus invested the Apostles with for the fulfillment of their mission. Jesus was never stingy for things His friends truly need. But why was James’s request for power rebuked by Jesus and resented by the rest of the Apostles? Perhaps it was because James and John were arrogant in their petition. They wanted the power on their own terms, in their own time. Perhaps the need has turned into greed. That is why Jesus did not grant it.

       God is never stingy. He will grant us what we need. But greed is altogether a different thing. A need can always be met. But greed will never be satisfied. Jesus wants for us the satisfaction of our needs, not the frustration that comes from insatiable greed. Fr. Joel Jason

REFLECTION QUESTION: In prayer, go through the desires of your heart. Purify them and check whether the need has turned into greed.

Like a deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul yearns for You, my God. Amen.