Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Jn 14: 6-14
Today, we celebrate the Feast of Sts. Philip and James, who were faithful followers of Jesus. They remind us about the call of Jesus, strengthen our belief and be faithful Christians living the Word. Our Easter celebration on Easter day is not the end.
We need to spread the message of resurrected Jesus through our words and deeds. As Jesus reveals himself in the gospel as one who is always united with
the heavenly Father, we need to be united with Christ and offer ourselves to his mission, which he had begun and entrusted to us.
Jesus calls each one of us for his mission and asks us to be faithful followers who are ready and active for the mission of Christ.
On this day, we are also reminded of the words of St. James: “Faith without work is dead.” It’s not just to declare ourselves as a Christian in name, but by the work we do. The people of this world will have to see Jesus in us as those in Jesus’ time saw heavenly Father in Jesus.
As we are marching towards the synodal church, it is an invitation to encourage each other for God’s mission just as Philip invited Nathanael to Jesus. Both James and Philip were faithful not only in following Jesus, but they gathered people around him and joyfully accepted the martyrdom for their faith.
Today, Jesus calls us to be his followers and motivate others to offer themselves for his
mission as priests and religious. Are you ready to give your life? Will you say yes to His call? Will you offer your son/daughter for the consecrated life? If not now, then when?