Saint Philip and Evangelization

Good morning, fellow humans!

Tomorrow, May 3, is the feast day of Saint Philip the Apostle. Very little is known of Saint Philip; nearly all we know of him is what’s mentioned in the New Testament. He was originally a disciple of John the Baptist, and then became a follower of Christ. He also was the means of bringing Nathaniel to Jesus. According to tradition, he was eventually martyred after he converted the Roman proconsul’s wife. 

Of the few little details we are given about Saint Philip, what stands out most is his zeal for evangelization. For many of us, I think, evangelizing does not come easily. We’re afraid of being misunderstood or made fun of, and I think many of us have an inherent horror of appearing “un-cool.” 

Of course, one shouldn’t evangelize in a way that actually is offensive or obnoxious (not only is it unkind, it also doesn’t work very well), and not every case calls for evangelizing by words. Often we are called to evangelize by example, and in the way we live our lives. We should be prudent, and only evangelize in words when it’s called for, but that doesn’t mean our Faith should be completely hidden at all other times. This might make us look “un-cool” sometimes, but that’s okay. And if the heart of even one person is touched with our “un-coolness,” it’s worth it. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

Saint Philip, help us to be zealous in bringing others to Christ, and to lose our fear of seeming different.