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| Saint Philip the Apostle, Pray for us! |
⛪ Saint of the Day: May 3
⛪ Born:
• Bethsaida, Palestine
⛪ Died:
• Stoned to death while tied to a cross c.80 at Hierapolis, Phrygia (near modern Pamukkale, Turkey)
⛪ Patronage:
• Hat makers, hatters, milliners • Has try chefs • Luxembourg
⛪ Symbols:
• Elderly bearded man holding a basket of loaves and a cross which is often t-shaped • Elderly man casting a devil from the idol of Mars • Elderly man crucified on a tall cross • Elderly man holding loaves and fishes • Elderly man with a dragon nearby • Elderly man with a loaf and book • Elderly man with a snake nearby • Loaves of bread • Man baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch • Man holding a book or scroll reading descendit ad inferna • Tall cross • With Saint Andrew the Apostle
Saint Philip, originally from Bethsaida in Galilee, was called by Jesus to follow him, just a day after Saint Peter and Saint Andrew. Despite being married and having daughters, Philip's commitment to his family did not hinder him from constantly meditating on the law and the prophets. This devotion prepared him for the significant revelation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. In obedience to Jesus' command, Philip left everything behind to become an inseparable companion in his ministry and labors.
Once Philip discovered the Messiah, he eagerly wanted to share his joy with his friend Nathanael. He told Nathanael that they had found the one Moses and the prophets wrote about in the law - Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth. However, Nathanael was skeptical because Nazareth was not considered a significant place. Philip encouraged Nathanael to meet Jesus in person and see for himself. Philip had no doubt that upon meeting Jesus, Nathanael would be convinced of the truth, just as he was.
Nathanael agreed and approached Jesus. To Nathanael's surprise, Jesus greeted him by saying, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." Astonished, Nathanael asked Jesus how he knew him. Jesus responded by revealing that he had seen Nathanael under the fig tree even before Philip called him. This revelation convinced Nathanael that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, the King of Israel, and the long-awaited Messiah prophesied by Moses and the prophets.
Saint Philip was present at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, which took place three days later and where Jesus performed his first miracle. He attended the event along with Jesus and the other disciples. The following year, when Jesus established the College of apostles, Philip was chosen as one of the apostles. Throughout his journey with Jesus, Philip witnessed numerous significant events and teachings.
After the Lord's ascension, a small group of individuals, who had witnessed his miracles and were filled with the Holy Spirit, were given the responsibility of spreading the gospel worldwide. To accomplish this task, the disciples were required to disperse quickly to different regions around the world. Saint Philip, as documented by Theodoret and Eusebius, preached the gospel in the two Phrygias. Saint Polycarp, who was converted in 80 AD, had encounters with Saint Philip, suggesting that the latter lived a long life. According to Eusebius, Saint Philip was laid to rest in Hierapolis, Phrygia, where his relics were believed to work miracles.
An arm of Saint Philip was transported to Florence in 1204, with a detailed description provided by the Bollandists. The feast day of Saint Philip is celebrated on November 14th in the Eastern Church, while the Western Church commemorates it on May 1st along with Saint James. Saint Philip's remains are said to be interred in the church of Saints Philip and James in Rome, which was consecrated in their honor in 560. The Emperor Theodosius received a vision from Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Philip, assuring him of victory before he defeated the tyrant Eugenius in 394, as recounted by Theodoret.
We can draw inspiration from Saint Philip by cultivating a fervent love for God and a longing to be in His presence. Just as Saint Philip desired this above all else, we should question whether our hearts are consumed by the same desire. Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments and ambitions to pursue this ultimate goal? It is essential that we actively seek the means to achieve this state of mind, seeking the intercession of Saint Philip through prayer and striving to detach ourselves from corrupt and vain desires, so that our hearts may be aligned with heavenly aspirations.
The soul on a spiritual journey perceives itself as a foreigner in this earthly realm, recognizing the emptiness and transience of worldly pursuits. Instead, she fixates her gaze on the eternal splendor and majesty of God's kingdom, yearning for the day when she will be united with Him. This longing for divine union propels her to seek solitude, devoting herself to prayer and contemplation of the heavenly abode. Worldly pleasures lose their appeal as she finds solace only in praising God, surrendering to His will, and seeking His presence with fervent devotion. This soul's ultimate desire is to be transformed by God's love and to dwell in His eternal embrace, forever immersed in His boundless joy and glory.