The Feast of Two Saintly Apostles

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of two Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James the Lesser. Often Saint James is called the brother of our Lord in Protestant teachings, but not in Catholic tradition. The confusion, according to the Catholic Church, stems from the fact that James’ mother was either a sister or close relative of the Blessed Virgin, and for that reason, according to Jewish custom, he was called the brother of Jesus.

Saint James is also known as James the Just. To refer to him as Less or Lesser is not a reference to his station in life but rather it is believed that James the Less was shorter than James the Great. According to tradition, James the Less is the author of the first Catholic Epistle, and the first Bishop of Jerusalem. This might also explain why James is known as the Just.

Saint Philip was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee. He was called to follow Christ by Jesus himself. Tradition has it that Philip was married, with three daughters. Like the other Apostles, Saint Philip left his formal life behind to serve the Lord. Saint Philip was believed to be a disciple of John the Baptist. When he was called by the Lord, he brought Nathanael to Christ. Philip was present at the miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. Just before the Passion, Christ is said to have answered Philip’s query to show them the father, but there is no further mention of him beyond listing Philip as among the Apostles awaiting the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room.

Jesus said to him, “I have been with you for so long a time, and you still do not know me, Philip? For whoever has seen me has seen the father.”
John 14:9

Let us pray
Almighty God, You gave to your apostles Philip and James the grace and strength to bear witness to Your Son.
Grant the we, remembering their victory of faith, may glorify in life and death the name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.

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We know that Saint Peter and his brother, Saint Andew, were fishmen by trade. We also know that the Lord called Saint Philip to him the day after his encounter with Peter and Andrew. For this reason I thought a nice Salmon Supper was a fitting way to acknowledge the Feast of Saints Philip and James the Just. Enjoy and have a blessed day.

Grilled Salmon with Habanero-Lime Butter
Habanero-Lime Butter
4 tablespoons Butter, softened
2 teaspoons Lime Zest
1 tablespoon fresh Lime Juice
Habanero Pepper as needed, minced
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt with Parsley

Place soft butter in a small bowl. Zest lime, sprinkle lime zest over the butter. Cut lime in half, juice and add to the butter. Mince 2 teaspoons of the Habanero Pepper, add to the butter. (Include seeds and membrane of the pepper for more heat, remove for less). Season with garlic salt.

Mix together until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Grilled Salmon
1 Lime, zested
3 tablespoon Lime Juice
1 Habanero Pepper, minced
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
1/2 cup Orange Juice
1 tablespoon Tequila
3 (5 oz) Salmon Filets

Zest lime into a mixing bowl. Cut lime, juice. Add more bottled lime juice if necessary to measure 3 tablespoons. Add just to the zest. Mince Habanero Pepper, add to the zest. Peel and mince garlic, add to the zest.

Whisk in oil, orange juice and tequila. Reserve a small amount to use as a basting sauce, pour remainder into a shallow baking pan.

Place salmon into the shallow dish, turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour but no more than four, turning frequently.

Oil grate of the grill with olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent salmon from sticking. Heat grill to medium heat.

Place marinated salmon on the grill. Cook salmon for about 6 minutes or so per side, or until the fish can easily be flaked with a fork.

Transfer the grilled salmon to a serving platter. Top each with the Habanero Butter. Serve and enjoy.

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I am the way and the truth and the life says the Lord