Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Project BLACK MAMBA: Eastertide

'Tis the Feast of Saints Philip & James, Apostles (died circa 80 & 62, respectively): Apostles-link, Apostle-link Papa & Wikipedia-link Papa, & Apostle-link Juliett & Wikipedia-link Juliett.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
The Church commemorates on the same day Ss. Philip & James, whose bodies lie side by side at Rome. They represent to us two aspects of Christian holiness. The first preaches faith, the second works; the one holy aspirations, the other purity of heart.
Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:
This feast dates from the sixth century & was formerly celebrated on 1 May to commemorate the dedication of the basilica in Rome where the relics of Philip & James are preserved.

Philip was called to be an apostle the day after Peter [22 February & 29 June] & Andrew [30 November]. He responded immediately to the call, convinced that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Philip later preached the gospel in Phrygia, & possibly in Greece. He was martyred at Hierapolis & was buried there until this relics were transferred to Rome.

James, the son of Alphaeus & "brother" (cousin) of the Lord, is also known as St. James the Less. He was so successful in winning converts to Christianity that the Scribes & Pharisees ploted his death. According to one account, he was thrown fromthe pinnacle of the Temple, & since he was not yet dead, he was stoned; finally, he was dispatched by a blow to the head with a club. His martyrdom took place in the year 62.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Alexander I, Pope (died circa 115), sixth Bishop of Rome: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Stanisław Kazimierczyk, Priest, C.R.L. (1433-1489): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feast of Ss. Philip & James
The First Letter to the Corinthians, chapter fifteen, verses one thru eight;
Psalm Nineteen, verses two & three & four & five;
The Gospel according to John, chapter fourteen, verses six thru fourteen.

Commentary: Easter Gospel reflection by Bishop Robert Barron:
Friends, today we read the wonderful and mysterious passage from the fourteenth chapter of John’s Gospel. The disciples are gathered around Jesus at the Last Supper, abiding in intimacy with him, asking questions and seeking wisdom.

Then listen to Jesus’ words: “If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Paul refers to Jesus as the “icon of the invisible God.” What both Jesus and Paul are saying is that Jesus’ words are the Father’s words and his deeds are the Father’s deeds.

Philip, one of the first disciples chosen, still doesn’t get this. He says, “Master, show us the Father.” What he missed was the humility of the Logos: “The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.” Neither the words nor the deeds of Jesus are “his own.” They are received from the Father.
Bible Study
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter thirteen (of thirteen; verses one thru twenty-five).

Commentary: VI. Final Exhortation, Blessing, Greetings (13, inclusive).

Next: The First & Second Letters of Peter (five & three chapters, respectively), the Letter of Jude (no chapters, just twenty-five verses), & then the Acts of the Apostles (twenty-eight chapters, the second book of a two-part series begun with the Gospel according to Luke).

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