One of the Twelve Apostles, from Bethsaida in Galilee, who brought Nathanael to Jesus.
Life
The apostle Philip came from Bethsaida in Galilee. After Jesus called him, he went to Nathanael and brought him to Jesus with the words, "Come and see." John's Gospel tells how Jesus questioned him before feeding the five thousand, and how some Greeks came to him wanting to see Jesus.
At the Last Supper he asked, "Lord, show us the Father," and Jesus answered, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." His later life is uncertain, but tradition says he preached the Gospel in Asia Minor and died a martyr. The Church remembers him on May 3 together with the apostle James the Less.
Spirituality
Philip's spirituality is honest questioning and the simple invitation that brings others to Christ. He asked frankly about what he did not understand, and he introduced the Jesus he had met to others with "Come and see." His questions became occasions for Jesus to reveal who he is.
Reflection
Philip told his friend, "Come and see." An invitation begins with a little courage. Whom could I invite to Mass or a parish gathering this week?