Parish patronal feast - St Philip the Apostle

In the Anglican calendar, the feast of St Philip is celebrated with St James the Less on 1 May.

Philip was one of the twelve apostles, the closest followers of Jesus during his earthly ministry.

As a disciple, Philip gave up everything he had to go with Jesus. For us who worship in the church named after him, his name reminds us of this call.

What does it mean for us to hear the call of Jesus and follow? What difference does it make to our lives? What things may we have to leave behind to be a faithful follower of Jesus as our Master? And what will that commitment gain?

One of the first things Philip did upon heeding the call of Jesus was to share that call with others – “Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph … come and see’ ” (John 1:45,46). Philip reminds us that our call is not just to be followers, but also to be sharers.

Philip was a practical man. When asked by Jesus, “Where shall we buy bread for these people,” Philip replied, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” (John 6:5,7). At this point however, his practicality was the enemy of his faith. So, Philip challenges us to ask ourselves if there are times in our lives when the things of this world hinder our trust and confidence in God’s willingness and ability to provide for our needs.

Nothing certain is known of Philip after the resurrection of Christ. It is thought that he preached the gospel in Phrygia (an area of what is now central Turkey) and died at Hieropolis (now Manbij) in Syria.

Having the name Philip challenges us to fulfill God’s role for us as people of faith. It is a constant reminder of our destiny as those who are to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world. May we meet this destiny with joy.

- Gillian Fosdick, from the parish history (2016), alt.