St. James the Greater

On July 25th, the Church celebrates the feast of St. James the Greater, one of the Twelve Apostles and the brother of St. John. This feast day holds historical significance as it honors a pivotal figure in the early Church, known for his fervent evangelization and martyrdom, which reminds us of the call to discipleship and sacrifice. St. James is also associated with the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where his relics are believed to rest, emphasizing the importance of pilgrimage and the journey of faith in the Catholic tradition. Within the Church's yearly cycle, this feast falls during the Time after Pentecost, a season that invites the faithful to reflect on living out the grace received through the Holy Spirit.

The readings and prayers for this feast day resonate with themes of humility, service, and the profound call to follow Christ, as illustrated in St. James' response to Jesus' invitation. The Epistle from St. Paul reveals the challenges faced by the Apostles, reminding families that true greatness in God's kingdom often comes through humility and self-sacrifice. In the Gospel, the request from the mother of James and John for her sons' positions of honor prompts reflection on the nature of true greatness, which is found in serving others. As families gather for Mass, they are encouraged to contemplate these themes of service and discipleship, fostering discussions about how they can embody Christ's love and humility in their daily lives, thus deepening their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ in today's world.

Historical Background and Life Story St. James the Greater, one of the twelve apostles, was the son of Zebedee and Salome and the brother of St. John. Born in Galilee, he was a fisherman by trade before he answered Jesus’ call to discipleship, becoming one of His closest companions. James witnessed many of Christ's miracles and teachings, and after the Resurrection, he played a pivotal role in spreading the Gospel, particularly in Spain and Jerusalem.

Main Virtues and Spiritual Contributions St. James is celebrated for his unwavering faith and zeal for evangelization. His courage in proclaiming the message of Christ, even in the face of persecution, exemplifies a profound commitment to spreading the Good News. Additionally, he is often associated with the virtue of perseverance, reminding us to remain steadfast in our faith journey, despite challenges.

Canonization and Significance to the Church Though not formally canonized like saints of later centuries, St. James is venerated as a martyr, having been the first apostle to be executed for his faith, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. His life and sacrifice underscore the importance of witnessing to faith, establishing him as a significant figure in the Church's history, particularly as the patron saint of pilgrims and Spain.

Lessons for Catholic Families Today Families today can draw inspiration from St. James’ example of commitment to faith and family. His willingness to answer God’s call invites families to reflect on their vocation and mission in the world, encouraging open conversations about faith, service, and supporting one another in their spiritual journeys. Moreover, his dedication to evangelization inspires families to share their faith with others, fostering a spirit of community and outreach.

Closing Prayer for His Intercession Dear St. James, we ask for your intercession as we strive to live out our faith with courage and zeal. Help our families to embrace their calling and share the love of Christ with all. Amen.

On the feast of St. James the Greater, we are reminded of the call to humility and self-sacrifice in our discipleship, as reflected in today’s readings. In the Gospel, we see the mother of James and John asking Jesus for places of honor for her sons in His kingdom. Jesus responds by highlighting the importance of understanding the true cost of discipleship: "Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink?" (Matt 20:22). This resonates with the teachings found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, particularly in CCC 2013, which emphasizes that "the Kingdom of God is for the poor and the humble" and that greatness in God's eyes is found in serving others. Families are invited to reflect on what true greatness means in their lives—realizing it often involves service, sacrifice, and a willingness to embrace challenges for the sake of love.

Moreover, St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians underscores the trials faced by the Apostles and their commitment to Christ, even amidst suffering and ridicule (1 Cor 4:9-15). This echoes CCC 1816, which speaks of the "beatitudes" as the "blessings of the poor in spirit," reminding us that our challenges can lead to deeper faith and connection with Christ. It encourages families to discuss how they can support each other in times of difficulty, cultivating a spirit of humility and love, just as St. James did through his life and martyrdom.

As families gather for Mass today, they might consider practical ways to live out these lessons. Perhaps they can engage in acts of service together, such as volunteering in their community or helping a neighbor in need. Discussing the significance of humility, they could create a family plan to practice small acts of kindness throughout the week. In doing so, they embody the teachings of Christ and the spirit of St. James, nurturing a family culture centered on love, service, and the pursuit of true greatness in God's kingdom.