Friday, May 3, 2013


The Feast of Saints Philip and James, apostles

(I Corinthians 15:1-8; John 14:6-14)

With the placing of the feast of Saints Philip and James the day after the memorial of St. Athanasius for no inherent reason, one wonders if the Church has a theological purpose in mind.  In today’s gospel passage, Philip in effect asks if Jesus and the Father are one.  Athanasius staked his life on the fact that they are as Jesus testifies in the same passage.  The implications have no mean import for Christians.

We base our faith on God’s humanity.  That is, we believe that out of love God showed himself to the world so that humans might sense His closeness.  Some call it a gamble as many, like Arius, have not grasped the concept.  Others no doubt dismiss a God who humbles Himself so terribly.  But for us God’s closeness means that His grace is ever available so that we might live in peace and joy.