Gospel in Art: Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles

View of the Basilica dei Santi Apostoli (S. Apostolorum Ruinarum varii prospectus), Engraving by Hendrick van Cleve, publisher: Philips Galle, Antwerp 1585 © Alamy

Gospel of 3 May 2025
John 14:6-14

At that time: Jesus said to Thomas, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'

Philip said to him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father"? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

'Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.'

Reflection on the Engraving

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Philip (whom Jesus addresses in today's Gospel) and Saint James the Less, both apostles and faithful witnesses to Christ. In the sixth century, their relics were brought from Constantinople to Rome by Pope Pelagius I and laid to rest in the Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli (Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles), near the Forum Romanum. Since that time, the Church has honoured them with a shared feast day, reflecting not only their closeness in death but also their shared mission in life. Their relics, safeguarded together for over 1,400 years, remain one of Rome's treasured spiritual landmarks. It is one of my preferred churches in Rome. Our engraving from 1585 illustrates the facade.

The Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli, a minor basilica, is a beautiful testament to centuries of faith and artistry. When you step inside, your eyes are drawn to the sanctuary, where just beneath the high altar, a small staircase leads pilgrims down to the crypt where Saints Philip and James are buried. Above, the ceiling bursts into life with the dramatic fresco painted by Giovanni Odazzi in 1709, depicting the fall of Lucifer and his angels. The clever use of perspective gives the impression that these rebellious figures are tumbling out of heaven into our world, a powerful reminder of both divine justice and the victory of the saints whose tombs lie just below.

Philip and James followed Christ in ways as unique as their personalities, yet both fulfilled the Lord's call with courage and faith. In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus' promise: "Whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do, and even greater works." These two apostles took those words to heart, dedicating their lives to spreading the Gospel. Their legacy reminds us that holiness is not a one-size-fits-all path; each of us is called to serve Christ in our own way, trusting that through faith, God will work wonders in and through us, just as He did with Philip and James.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-14-6-14-2025/ (with audio)