Entering The Joy: Easter Entrance Antiphon Series; Feast of St Philip and St James.

Entering The Joy: 

Easter Entrance Antiphon Series.

He is Not Here. He is Risen.

Saturday of  Second Week of Easter: 

Feast of St Philip and St James.

“These are the holy men whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love; to them he gave eternal glory, alleluia.”
(Entrance Antiphon – Feast of St Philip and St James)

Today the Church honours two apostles who might not be as well-known as Peter or John, but who were just as faithfully chosen, loved, and sent.

This antiphon holds three rich truths:

1. “These are the holy men…”

They were ordinary men made holy through their closeness to Christ. Holiness, in this context, isn't about perfection — it's about being set apart for God, walking closely with Jesus, and staying faithful, even when the road is unclear.

2. “…whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love”

Jesus chose Philip and James not for their accomplishments, but out of love — perfect, divine love. That’s the same love that called each of us at baptism.
We are chosen, too.

3. “To them he gave eternal glory”

Their earthly lives involved work, misunderstanding, and eventually martyrdom — but the end is glory. The Resurrection assures us that suffering is never the final word.

 

A Word on Each Apostle

Philip: In John 14, Philip says, “Lord, show us the Father.” Jesus gently tells him, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Philip reminds us of our longing to understand, to see clearly — and Jesus invites us to trust Him as the full revelation of the Father.

James the Less: Often identified as the son of Alphaeus, he’s traditionally seen as a quiet, faithful follower — a witness to the Resurrection and possibly the first bishop of Jerusalem. His life teaches us that quiet faithfulness matters. Not all saints are loud — some are steadfast and steady, and God sees them.

 

Spirituality in Action

How will I practice this antiphon today?

• Reflect: Where is God calling me to live out quiet faithfulness like James?
• Pray: “Lord, help me see You in Jesus, as Philip longed to do.”
• Act: Encourage someone who may feel unseen or unimportant — remind them they are chosen and loved.
• Affirm: Say aloud: “I am chosen in perfect love.”

 

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for calling Philip and James,
and thank You for calling me.
Help me to live my faith faithfully,
whether seen or unseen,
and to walk in the hope of eternal glory.
Amen.