Philip and James

May 3, 2014:  SS. Philip and James, apostles

Readings

• 1 Cor 15:1-8  I am reminding you of the Gospel I preached and you received; you're being saved as you hold fast.  I handed on what I received:  Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised, and appeared to Cephas, the Twelve, more than 500, James, all the Apostles, and me.

• Ps 19:2-3, 4-5  "Their message goes out through all the earth."  The heavens declare the glory of God...

• Jn 14:6-14  “I am the way and the truth and the life....  If you know me, you'll know my Father.  Whoever has seen me has seen him.  I am in the Father and he in me.  Whoever believes in me will do the works I do.  And whatever you ask in my name, I'll do.”

Music

• Canticle of the sun/ Haugen (psalm-inspired setting of St. Francis's canticle)

• The law of the Lord is perfect/ Mui (psalm)

• Indescribable/ Story, Reeves:  sung by Tomlin, Story (psalm inspired)

Pope Francis

• To Catholic Action members re "New people in Christ Jesus, co-responsible for the joy of living," the disciples' joy in their encounter with the risen Christ.  The joy needs to be internalized in a style of evangelizing capable of changing lives.  Renew your missionary commitment, be open to the horizons the Spirit will show the Church, and be the living sign and expression of a rejuvenated lay apostolate.  Parishes, especially those marked by fatigue and closures, need your apostolic enthusiasm, your availability, and your creative service.

Reflections

• Creighton:  The core of faith is commitment to a Person.  To know about Christ is Christology; to know Christ is Christianity.

• Passionist:  God sent his Son to save us.  Christ who appeared to 500 after he rose wants to appear to me.

• Universalis:  SS. Philip and James, apostles:  Philip started as a disciple of John the Baptist.  James, a cousin of the Lord, led the Church at Jerusalem, wrote an epistle, lived austerely, converted many Jews, and was martyred.

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• Red shirt:  martyrdom of Apostle James

• Crucifix:  Christ died for our sins (1st reading)

• "Phone" tie bar and "Children around the world" tie:  "Their message goes out to all the earth" (psalm)

Dress your life!