Homily: July 25, 2023, Feast of Saint James, Apostle

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 “For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”

This is a very profound description of the life of an apostle of Christ, for Christ. St. Paul worded it so clearly. Let us look at a few phrases up close.

‘…constantly given up to death…’

This was the success behind the evangelization led by the apostles. They were not afraid to die like Jesus, in fact, they constantly give of themselves totally for the mission, holding back nothing for themselves.

‘…for the sake of Jesus…’

There is only one purpose in the apostles’ life, it is all for Jesus. They live by His teachings and die for His mission.

‘…manifested in our mortal flesh…’

Every apostle in action is a walking, living Jesus Christ. In Galatians 2:20, St. Paul also said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

As we celebrate this feast of St. James the Apostle, we are not celebrating the life of James, but we are expounding the spirit of apostleship.

How far, how deep, how intense will you go for the sake of Jesus?

In our parish ministries, I do see many people who are modern day apostles. I know of some who are already serving passionately in many ministries and yet, when the need arises, when the call comes, they would not hesitate to step into another. As long as it is to serve the church, for the sake of Jesus, they would do it. I have seen them in action. I am simply edified by their spirit of total self-giving.

This was how our beautiful church was built. Our dedicated forefathers, the early immigrants and native believers, they sacrificed their lives to give us this church. They built it not for themselves, but for us, the generations of believers after them.

Then what is there left for us to do?

There are lots more to do. The world today is different. We need to save this country, we need to save our young people, we need to save the lapsed. We need to carry on the same work, to build and rebuild. Later generations after us can continue to worship God and celebrate their Catholic life because of our sacrifice.

Let us constantly give ourselves up to death for the sake of Jesus, that His life may manifest in our life.

This is apostleship. To live as true followers, like St. James and all the other apostles, and revive our church. To re-live the apostolic era, experience another Pentecost, and revive Jesus’ life and mission in us.

This is the spirit that all of us should have. At the end of every Mass, we are sent forth carrying the word of God and the body of Christ in our heart. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. Amen.


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