Being Found by Christ

On this day, May 1, the Church celebrates the Feast of two apostles, Philip and James the Less.

James’ title as “the Less” or “Minor” is not a statement on his importance, but instead likely refers to his age or height. It also distinguishes him from his fellow apostle James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John, and James, brother of our Lord. The James whom we commemorate today is the son of Alphaeus and is often listed as the ninth apostle.

Philip appears more often in the Gospel narratives than James the Less, particularly in the Gospel according to John. John’s gospel describes Jesus finding Philip and saying to him, “Follow me.” Philip, in turn, finds Nathaniel and tells him, “We have found him about whom Moses… and the prophets wrote (John 1:45, NRSVue).  Here, as we often tend to do ourselves, Philip perceives that he has found the manifestation of God’s promise when, in fact, it is Jesus who finds him. Similarly, God continues to find each of us as we journey through our own mundane, yet sometimes life-altering events. 

Also in John’s gospel, it is Philip whom Jesus asks where they might find food to feed the five thousand. In the gospel appointed for today, it is Philip who asks Jesus to show them the Father. Each of these narratives with Philip involves finding and/or being found. 

Philip and James the Less are said to be commemorated on the same Feast Day because their relics were brought together to Rome and remain together to this day. Around 560 CE, their relics were brought from Constantinople to Rome by Pope Pelagius I and kept in a basilica that was dedicated to them ten years later by Pope John III. These relics are said to rest under the high altar of the current-day basilica at this location, the Basilica of Santi Dodici Apostoli, the Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles.

The stories and history surrounding this feast day present unique opportunities for both parents and those working in children’s ministries to engage children, fostering a meaningful connection with the Gospel stories and with Church history. One idea that can be done at home or in church is a “Found by Jesus” scavenger hunt in which children search for hearts, fish, crosses, Bible verses, or a combination of these, perhaps placed in leftover Easter eggs. Once all the items are found, engage in a conversation on how Jesus finds us in different ways and places. Another idea is partnering children in twos or threes for a game of “Find or Be Found” (akin to Hide and Seek). After the game, the parent or leader can retell the Bible story of Jesus finding Philip.

And finally, ask your priest if children can bring a “relic” that reminds them of Philip or James the Less next Sunday to be placed under the altar table before worship. Then during formation or Children’s Church, share the history of the feast along with stories featuring these two apostles in the Bible. This could even become a multi-generational activity.

As we commemorate these saints today, we give thanks that we, like Philip, have been found by Christ. We commit ourselves to Christ’s work in the world today and his voice beckoning us to find food for those around us who often experience food insecurity. We can take comfort knowing that, as relics of Philip and James lie together in one place of worship, we are all in good company of the Saints, past, present, and those to come, whose lives bear witness to the mission of Christ within our world, those who, by example, commend us to do likewise.