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     The gospel scripture for today's feast of the apostles, Philip and James the Lesser (the other James is brother to John - sons of Zebedee), is taken from the Gospel of John.  This is the last of the gospels to be composed and put into writing.  Thus, the picture of the apostles by then was fairly fixed.  What emerges is that they were very human!  The Gospel of Mark is not very easy on them, and the other gospels do not hesitate to show them in less than favorable light.  For Luke, it is the Pentecost event in the Acts of the Apostles that makes the big difference.  So, the questions by Thomas and Philip are not unusual.  Peter's swordplay in the garden of Gethsemani and his triple denial of Jesus are another vivid set of examples.

     I take comfort from realizing that Jesus chose less than perfect individuals to be his closest collaborators.  We may find those who are officially called his "successors" (the Pope and Bishops) to be less than perfect, but we should remember that they are not the only ones called to be disciples!  God takes a chance on all the baptized!  We do the best we can to pray, learn, love and serve, knowing that mistakes and misunderstandings will be part of it and the Holy Spirit will work through us.  Philip and James can pray for us in the communion of Saints today!  AMEN