Saint Philip and Saint James the Less, both Apostles of Jesus Christ, are celebrated together on their feast day, May 3, in the liturgical traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. Their lives and ministries provide unique insights into the early Church and its development. Let’s explore each of their hagiographies:
Saint Philip
Saint Philip was one of the first disciples called by Jesus, hailing from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. The Gospels depict him as a figure of considerable importance in the group of the twelve Apostles. One of the more poignant moments in the Gospels involving Philip is during the Last Supper, where he asks Jesus to show them the Father, to which Jesus responds that anyone who has seen Him has seen the Father, highlighting a profound theological teaching about the nature of Christ and His relationship to God the Father.
Traditionally, Philip is said to have preached the Gospel in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) and died as a martyr. The Acts of Philip, an apocryphal work, elaborate on his ministry and martyrdom, portraying him as a passionate preacher who performed miracles. He is often depicted with a cross, a basket of loaves, or a spear, symbolizing his martyrdom or his role in the feeding of the five thousand.
Saint James the Less
Saint James the Less is often identified as the son of Alphaeus and is sometimes called “James the Just.” He is traditionally considered the author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament. James the Less is referred to as “the Less” possibly to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee (“James the Greater”) or because of his stature or younger age.
James held a significant position in the early Church, particularly in the Church at Jerusalem. He is often associated with wisdom and a strong ethical stance in his writings, emphasizing the importance of good works as the fruit of faith. According to the historian Josephus and other sources, he was martyred in Jerusalem by being thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple and then stoned to death.
His role as a leader in the Jerusalem Church is notably highlighted during the Council of Jerusalem, where he played a pivotal role in addressing the question of whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law, advocating for a church that welcomed both Jews and Gentiles.
Veneration and Legacy
Both saints are venerated for their devotion, missionary zeal, and role in spreading the Gospel during the early days of the Church. Their lives and martyrdoms inspire faithfulness and courage in the face of adversity. Art and literature have portrayed them through various symbols and stories that echo their commitment and service to the teachings of Christ. Their feast day is a time to reflect on their contributions to Christian theology and the growth of the early Church.
Their stories enrich the tapestry of Church history and serve as a testament to the diverse backgrounds and roles of those who have shaped the faith across generations.