St. James the Greater

St. James the Apostle

“We can learn much from St James: promptness in accepting the Lord's call even when he asks us to leave the "boat" of our human securities, enthusiasm in following him on the paths that he indicates to us over and above any deceptive presumption of our own, readiness to witness to him with courage, if necessary to the point of making the supreme sacrifice of life” (Pope Benedict XVI, GENERAL AUDIENCE, Wednesday, 21 June 2006)

Saint James the Apostle, knowns as St. James the Greater, known for his unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. Born in Galilee, Palestine, he was destined for a life of great purpose. Alongside his brother John, James was known as a "Son of Thunder" - a nickname that reflected their passionate and fiery nature. Together, they followed Jesus, learning from him, and growing in their faith.

James' journey was not without its challenges. He faced persecution and ultimately, martyrdom. Early in the first century, in the 40s, King Herod Agrippa, the grandson of Herod the Great, as Luke (Acts 12: 1-2) tells us, "laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the Church. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword.”

In Roman Catholicism, St. James is the patron saint of pilgrims, soldiers, veterinarians, pharmacists, and people with arthritis. He is also the patron saint of Spain, Galicia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Seattle. To this day, Saint James the Greater is celebrated on July 25 in the Roman Catholic Church and April 30 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. His story serves as a testament to the power of faith and the enduring impact of those who followed Jesus.

The name "James" is the translation of Iakobos, the Graecised form of the name of the famous Patriarch, Jacob. (Pope Benedict XVI, GENERAL AUDIENCE, Wednesday, 21 June 2006). It is derived from the Hebrew name "Ya'aqov," meaning Jacob. This connection to the patriarch Jacob highlights the significance of the name James in biblical tradition. In the New Testament, the name James is borne by several notable figures, including James the Greater, James the Lesser, and James the brother of Jesus. The etymological link between James and Jacob also invites reflection on the themes of struggle, perseverance, and divine encounter that are woven throughout the stories of both Jacob and the New Testament figures who bore the name James.

His Call

“He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So, they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him” (Mark 1:19-20). St. James never knew his future but he responded to Jesus because he realized that it is in Jesus one can find one’s own beginning and end of life. His readiness to give up his boat for Jesus shows his willingness to center his life Christ. He leaves his father to embrace the Heavenly Father. Call to live Christian life is to have self-transcendence.

Inner Circle

As one of Jesus' twelve apostles, James was part of the innermost circle, witnessing pivotal moments that would shape the course of history. James was part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing key events:

• Transfiguration: "And he permitted no one to accompany him except Peter and James and John the brother of James." (Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36).

• The raising of Jairus' daughter: "He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James."(Mark 5:37-43, Luke 8:51-56).

• The agony in Gethsemane: "And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled." (Mark 14:33, also Matthew 26:37)

Do in Memory of Me

Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They said to him, ‘We can’” (Matthew 20:22). Jesus then told them they would indeed drink the cup and share his baptism of pain and death, but that sitting at his right hand or left was not his to give—it “is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father” (Matthew 20:23b). As he responded to Jesus that he can drink the cup, he truly drank the cup that Jesus gave to him at the Last Supper. He witnessed it through his death.

As we reflect on James' life, we are reminded of the importance of faith, perseverance, and loyalty. His story, as recorded in the New Testament, stands as a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' teachings and the enduring impact of those who followed him. In memory of Saint James, the Greater, we honor his commitment to spreading the Gospel and his ultimate sacrifice for his faith. His legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, and his story remains an integral part of the rich tapestry of Christian tradition.