While his companions went off into the world, James had the difficult task of remaining in Jerusalem, as its first bishop. Though many citizens of Jerusalem had been converted to Christ after the apostles burst from the upper room on Pentecost, there lived in Jerusalem many who hated the Gospel and conspired against it.
The first verses of his new testament epistle, the epistle of St. James, speaks of the importance of persevering in times of trial: “Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
Details of James the Less’ martyrdom are found in the writings of Josephus, Eusebius, and Jerome. In 63, the Bishop Apostle was arrested and brought to the wall of the Jerusalem Temple. The Jewish High Priest demanded that James renounce Jesus as the Messiah. After giving a stirring sermon proclaiming Christ as Savior, James was thrown from the Temple wall then clubbed to death.
James foreshadowed his own martyrdom, when he wrote, “Blessed is the man who perseveres in trial, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life that he promised to those who love him.”
We read about Philip’s faith and burning love for the Lord in the Gospel of St. John. At the beginning of the Gospel, Philip joyfully runs to Nathanael to proclaim, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote, Jesus the son of Joseph of Nazareth.”
Scripture is silent concerning the works and martyrdom of Philip after the Lord’s ascension. Some ancient legends state that Philip was preaching in a Greek town called Hieropolis, where he miraculously cured people bitten by serpents and then killed a large serpent in a temple dedicated to snake worship. For this the pagan priests and the city governor arrested Philip and had him crucified. So, in Philip we find two characteristics of Easter evangelization: bold courage in preaching against pagan error and warm joy.
We are reminded by these great Easter saints, that whether we are at home or abroad, by persevering in our trials, and by our preaching with bold courage and warm joy lead unbelievers to Christ, we are faithful to the mission of building up the Church and sowing the seeds of the Gospel for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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May we join the Holy Apostles in our prayer for the world and the Church.
As the Apostles witnessed to the Resurrection of the Lord, may we be his witnesses to the farthest corners of the world.
For the bishops, the successors of the apostles: That they may be courageous in stirring up the flame of faith and defending the Church from error.
For all of the sick and suffering, especially victims of natural disaster, poverty, and addiction, may they be comforted and supported by God’s healing love. We pray to the Lord.
For all who long to see the face of the Father, for all our departed loved ones and all of the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered. We pray to the Lord.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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