For I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures; that he was buried; that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures; that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. After that he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8 NABRE)
Saint Paul must have been a fascinating character. He certainly was a clever writer. Writing to a community of believers in Corinth, he frames his message with a strong reminder that he himself heard first about Jesus as they did, second-hand; and then describes his personal conversion as being born abnormally, considering the all strained circumstances of his prior relationship with the believers.
And yet, look at what he tells us all in today's passage!
Christ Jesus died, was buried, and was raised back to life. And there were witnesses. Cephas (which was Peter) and the other Apostles, but then notice who else witnessed the risen Jesus: more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living. After that, Jesus appeared to James and to all the apostles. Finally, Paul reminds us that risen Jesus also appeared to him personally.
Today, on this Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles, I will believe the testimony of so many eye witnesses to the risen Jesus, and I will count myself among those witnesses, with a testimony of my own to share.
Saints Philip and James, two friends of Jesus who were to be among his first twelve witnesses to others, pray for us.
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