Liturgy Lesson for SS. Philip and James: Lives on Fire

May 2, 2009

Saints’ days (such as Saints Philip and James we commemorate today) honor these athletes of God that the Gospel records as those faithful that made themselves available for the Lord to use to establish His Body on Earth—the Church. They were willing to suffer, and in most cases, die, usually in a very unpleasant and painful manner—after they had given up all they had for Jesus. St Philip was the first to leave his life at home to follow the Lord and was eventually hanged for the Faith far from home in Phrygia. St. James remained in Israel, becoming the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and was renowned for his outreach, and did, according to some scholars, assemble the first service liturgies—from which our own services stem today. Although he was also a successful evangelist, local Jews, unhappy with his success, threw him from the Temple pinnacle. St. James survived briefly, only to be clubbed to death after being stoned. Amazingly, however, a new bishop was consecrated immediately—and the ministry continued! It was this unswerving commitment ancient Christians wanted to maintain by assembling at martyrs’ graves on the anniversaries of their deaths. They celebrated the saints’ Godly virtues and called down the Holy Ghost to renew their own commitment and faith. They wanted their lives fired by the Spirit, even if it meant death. So should we, as our fathers did, by the baptism of the Holy Spirit—know Jesus so personally and powerfully that we can’t help being His messengers, even if it means surrendering home, hearth, and even life. Once we are rewired to our Lord’s specification, we can take joy in Him, and know—this world is not our home! Come, then, Holy Ghost—set our lives on fire!

Posted by Father Chip | Filed Under Liturgy Lessons