Our Lady of Guadalupe

Date: July, 25

St. James was a fisherman who, with his brother John, worked in their father Zebedee’s business. Together they were among the first disciples of Jesus (Matthew 4:21-22).

Among the Twelve Apostles were two named James: James, the son of Zebedee and James, the son of Alpheus. The former is traditionally called James the Greater, and the latter is traditionally called James the Lesser, perhaps because the former was taller than the latter, or more likely because of the greater importance James the Greater played in the Gospel narrative.

James the Greater is also one of the three Apostles who with Peter and John were invited by the Lord to come apart with Him on at least three occasions––the raising from the dead of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:33ff; Luke 8:49ff), the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2ff; Luke 9:28ff) and in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper (Matthew 26:33ff; Mark 14:32ff).

St. James was one of Jesus’ first Apostles. Like all the Apostles, the Church gratefully celebrates his unique role in the Redemption. Not only did the Apostles continue the Lord’s mission in their own day, but by communicating their apostolic office to others they ensured its perpetuation down the ages until the Lord returns (Luke 6:48-49, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:19-20, Revelation 21:14).

Prayer: Saint James, Jesus called you a Son of Thunder because of your zeal and temper. Though excessive at times, God used those natural qualities and infused them with temperance and courage so that you could give supreme witness to your Lord by your life.

Please pray for me, that I will also have the courage and zeal that you had, laying down my life in witness to the glory of Jesus my Lord. Saint James, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.