Saturday of the 2nd week of Easter

1 Cor. 15: 1-8    John 14: 6-14

Theme: Faithful discipleship

Today the church celebrates the feast of the Apostles Philip and James. These were great men of the faith, who accompanied Jesus in his mission on earth and continued after the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. Their faith in God has continued to attract people to the kingdom of God. They left a faith and legacy that has continued from one generation to the next. They were great men, who gladly gave their lives for their love for both God and the faith. The quality of their discipleship after the resurrection of Christ, was never in doubt. They preached the word of God without fear or favour and took it to the ends of the earth. As we celebrate these great Apostles today, it reminds us of the option for Christ that we have made, and the price that we are bound to pay at one point or the other, just like Saints Philip and James whose feast we celebrate today. They willingly gave everything for the faith, because of their love for Christ.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, as we celebrate the Apostles today, it is an opportunity for us to sincerely ask ourselves the extent we are willing to go for the sake of our faith in Christ. This will largely point out to us the quality of our discipleship. Remember, Jesus went the extra mile to win salvation for you and me. Let us be always mindful of this fact and beg him for the grace to be always faithful to our faith in God. Sometimes the option for Christ we have made can throw many things at us, but we must trust in God at such moments and remain steadfast, just like the Apostles did.

Dear friends in Christ, in the gospel reading of today, we see how Jesus makes use of any given opportunity to educate those around him. Today he educates Thomas and the others about his identity and relation with the heavenly father. This shows us that nobody has it all, so we must be humble and open to learn from others, irrespective of who the person may be.

Dearly beloved in Christ, we pray that through the intercessions of Saints Philip and James, God will grant our heart desires and strengthen our faith in times of trials and difficulties. May almighty God bless his words in our hearts, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.