Popularity is not a sign of faithfulness (HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER (STS. PHILIP AND JAMES) MAY 2023

HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER, (STS. PHILIP AND JAMES)

1Cor.15:1-8; Ps.19; John 14:6-14

Popularity is not a sign of faithfulness

Today, we celebrate the feast of St Phillip and St. James – apostles of Jesus Christ; we are presented with two great men who not only used their time, talent and treasure to bear witness to the gospel, but also their very lives. They are martyrs.

One thing that is common about these two martyrs is that little is known about them. According to John’s gospel, Philip came from Bethsaida. Before the feeding of the multitude, it was him that Jesus asked how they should buy bread for the crowd. It was also him who persuaded Nathaniel to come and see Jesus. Tradition has it that after Pentecost, he went to preach the gospel in Asia Minor. He suffered martyrdom by crucifixion at Hierapolis in Phrygia.

James was the Son of Alphaeus, a brother of Jude Thaddaeus and a cousin to Jesus. The mother, Mary of Clopas was a sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He is called the “younger” or “lesser” to distinguish him from the more popular James, the brother of John. James suffered martyrdom by being cast down from the parapet of the Temple, and killed with a fuller’s club.

Their martyrdom speaks volume of their conviction and commitment to the truth of the gospel. The fact that little is known about them means that they silently but strongly lived out this conviction and commitment and the Lord who sees all that is done in secret, rewarded them. Therefore, being a good Christian does not necessarily mean that one must be popular. Popularity is not a sign of holiness or faithfulness. To seek to be popular means that one is being sycophantic about preaching the gospel; in such case, the focus has shifted from God to mere mortals.

Be contented that you are doing your best wherever you find yourself. Popularity can distract; this explains why Jesus will continue to keep his identity secret until the appointed time. If the Lord wants you to be popular, he will do it; but if he wants you to serve him quietly, don’t feel/think less of yourself. Beloved, do not seek to please man at the expense of your faithfulness to God. See, man can recognize you but it is only God that can reward you. Remember too that God rewards each man according to his/her deeds.