St. James the Greater, Apostle

Saint James the Greater was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He was the son of Zebedee and the brother of John the Evangelist. James was called by Jesus while he was fishing with his brother. They left their nets and followed Jesus right away.

James was close to Jesus. He witnessed many important events. He saw the Transfiguration, where Jesus’ appearance changed and became bright. He was also present in the Garden of Gethsemane before Jesus was arrested.

James had a fiery spirit. He and his brother John were called the “Sons of Thunder.” Once, they asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to punish a village that did not welcome them. Jesus rebuked them, teaching a lesson in mercy.

Saint James is honored as the first apostle to be martyred. King Herod Agrippa ordered his execution around 44 AD. James’ feast day is celebrated on July 25. Many people make pilgrimages to his shrine in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

He is called St. James the Greater because he was older than James the son of Alphaeus, who was also an apostle.

Like his brother John, Saint James was a fisherman. He was working by the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called him. Jesus invited James and John to leave their nets behind and follow Him (Matthew 4:21-22). They responded right away.

Their quick response shows their faith and trust in Jesus. They left their old lives to follow a new path. This was a big change for them. They gave up everything familiar to serve Jesus.

This moment reminds us of our own call to follow Christ. Jesus invites us to leave our old ways behind. He wants us to live lives of faith, love, and service. This can be hard, but Jesus helps us.

We learn from James and John to trust in Jesus. Their example encourages us to follow Him with all our hearts. Like them, we can leave our old lives and embrace a new purpose in Christ.

Saint James was part of Jesus’ inner circle. He was close to Jesus along with Peter and John. They were present at important moments. One key event was the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor (Matthew 17:1-9). There, Jesus’ true nature was revealed.

This event made a big impact on James. He saw Jesus in a new light. It helped him understand who Jesus really was. The experience deepened his faith and commitment.

The Transfiguration reminds us of the power of prayer. Spending time with God is important. It helps us see His presence in our lives. Just like James, we can grow closer to God through prayer.

In our daily lives, we need moments of prayer and reflection. These times help us connect with God. They change our hearts and minds. We start to see God’s presence everywhere.

Saint James and his brother John were called the “Sons of Thunder.” They were passionate and fiery. Once, James wanted to call down fire from heaven on a village that rejected Jesus (Luke 9:54). Jesus guided him, showing a better way.

Jesus taught James to balance his zeal with love and humility. This was an important lesson. James learned to defend his faith with compassion. He understood that love was stronger than anger.

James’ story shows us how to use our passion for God’s Kingdom wisely. We should stand up for truth and righteousness. But we must also show love and mercy to others. This is how we follow Jesus’ example.

Our faith should inspire us to act. But it should also teach us to be kind. Like James, we can learn to balance our zeal with love. This helps us live as true followers of Christ.

James’ faith journey led to an unexpected turn when he faced martyrdom. King Herod Agrippa I had him executed by the sword (Acts 12:1-2). James was the first apostle to be martyred. His death showed his strong commitment to the Gospel.

James’ martyrdom reminds us that following Christ can be hard. It often requires sacrifice. In tough times, we are called to stay strong. Our sufferings help us unite with Christ. We become witnesses to His glory.

James’ journey from a fisherman to a martyr shows the power of faith. It shows how Christ’s grace can change us. James started with zeal and ended with deep faith and love.

His story encourages us to trust in Christ. It shows that we too can grow in faith. No matter where we start, we can become strong followers of Jesus.

Saint James the Greater left a lasting legacy. His strong faith and commitment to Jesus inspire many. As the first apostle to be martyred, his courage is remembered.

One of the most famous sites linked to Saint James is Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Many believe his remains are there. This place has become a major pilgrimage destination. People from all over the world travel there to honor him.

The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, is a famous pilgrimage route. Pilgrims walk for days or even weeks to reach his shrine. This journey reflects James’ own journey of faith. It is a way for people to grow closer to God.

Saint James’ story teaches us about faith, courage, and commitment. His life shows us how to follow Jesus with our whole hearts. His legacy continues to inspire and guide people in their faith journey.

His feast day is July 25.

Patron Saint of …

He is the patron of laborers, veterinarians, equestrians, pharmacists, oyster fishers, woodcarvers, pilgrims, and Spain.

Word on Fire: True Greatness Through Service

In the reflection for the Feast of Saint James, Bishop Robert Barron highlights how James and John, through their mother, ask Jesus for prominent roles in His kingdom. This request reveals their misunderstanding of true greatness in God’s plan. While the desire for power and honor isn’t wrong, the brothers seek these for personal gain. Bishop Barron explains that true greatness, according to Jesus, is not about self-exaltation but about humility and service. Jesus teaches that to be great, one must become a servant, emphasizing that real power and honor come from serving others selflessly.

USCCB Reflection: A Journey from Impulsiveness to Faith

In the reflection for the Feast of Saint James, USCCB highlights the transformation of James, one of Jesus’s inner circle and a son of thunder. Initially impulsive, James sought positions of honor without understanding Jesus’s mission. However, after witnessing Jesus’s suffering, death, and resurrection, James embraced his calling. He courageously proclaimed the Gospel and became the first apostle martyred, as recorded in the New Testament. Tradition holds that James also preached in Spain, and his burial site in Compostela is a major pilgrimage destination. The reflection underscores the lesson of greatness in Christ’s kingdom, which comes through love and selfless service.

Word On Fire: Embracing the Cup of Suffering

In this reflection for the Feast of St. James the Greater, Bishop Robert Barron highlights the ambition of James and John, who seek high positions in Jesus’ kingdom. Many people can relate to the desire for honor and recognition. However, Jesus redirects their ambition by explaining that true honor in His kingdom comes through the cup of suffering. His crown will be made of thorns, and His throne will be a Roman instrument of torture. The key to honor in God’s kingdom is the willingness to suffer out of love and selflessly give one’s life as a gift. The lives of the saints exemplify this principle—rather than inflating the ego, they empty it out in loving service.

USCCB Reflection: What Made James Great?

In this USCCB video reflection for the Feast of St. James the Greater, the reflection explores the qualities that made James great. Emphasizing the importance of responding to Jesus’ call with humble service, we are reminded that genuine greatness resides in serving God’s kingdom with faith and action, demonstrating our devotion to Him.

Word On Fire: From Ego to Service

In this reflection for the Feast of St. James the Greater, Bishop Robert Barron explains that James and John seek leading roles in Jesus’ kingdom, reflecting their misplaced spiritual focus. Though their request appears reasonable, they misunderstand the essence of power and honor. True greatness lies in serving others, not in selfishly pursuing personal gain. Jesus emphasizes that to be great, one must be a servant, and to be first, one must be a slave. Redirecting our ambitions from self-centered desires to selfless service allows us to participate in the greater story directed by God, rather than the play we construct for ourselves.

USCCB Reflection: Embracing Humble Service

In this USCCB video reflection for the Feast of St. James the Greater, the focus is on the importance of humility and serving others as a reflection of God’s love. The reflection highlights the contrast between worldly desires for power and prestige with God’s call for us to embrace kindness, gentleness, and love, serving one another as a way to honor Him and manifest His mighty power in our lives. It emphasizes that true greatness lies in our willingness to serve with humility and love, following the example of St. James and other apostles.