ST. JAMES THE GREATER
ST. JAMES THE GREATER
FEAST July 25
LIFE Also called a Son of Thunder (alongside his brother, St. John), Iacobus Major, Iago, or Santiago. Called ‘the Greater’ because he became an Apostle before St. James the Less. Fisherman who left everything when Jesus called him to be a fisher of men. Preached in Samaria, Judea, and Spain. First Apostle to be martyred, in the year 44 in Jerusalem. Stabbed with a sword by King Herod Agrippa, as described in Acts 12:1-2.
SYMBOLS Jesus sent James to evangelize Spain. The scallop shell, pilgrim’s staff, and gourd for holding water are symbolic of the saint’s long journey.
PATRONAGE blacksmiths, equestrians, furriers, knights, laborers, pharmacists, pilgrims, soldiers, tanners, veterinarians, arthritis and rheumatism sufferers, Chile, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Spain; Loiza, Puerto Rico; Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina; Montreal, Canada
SCRIPTURE TO PONDER Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.... Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17:1-2,5b-7 NRSV
Fiery
St. James the Greater was an eyewitness to the raising of Jairus’ daughter, Jesus’ transfiguration, and the Lord’s intense suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Am I hoping to witness God’s radiance, as St. James did? Am I willing to share in our Lord’s tears?