St. James feast day is today but being a Sunday it may be overlooked. James is one of the 12 Apostles; this is James the son of Zebedee and brother of John. He is often referred to as James the Greater not to be confused with the other Apostle James who was the son of Alpheus.
James and John were but humble fishermen in Galilee when Jesus came along and called to them to follow Him. It is James and John that asked Christ about sitting on either side of Him in glory and assured Jesus they could drink His cup. They are known as Sons of Thunder because they asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to strike the Samaritans. James and John, along with Peter were present at the Transfiguration of the Lord.
After the Resurrection and Ascension James became the Bishop of Jerusalem and was actively involved in the famous Council of Jerusalem as detailed in Acts of the Apostles. Around the year 42, James became the first Apostle to be martyred for his steadfast proclamation of Jesus as Savior when he was beheaded by King Agrippa I.
There is a profound tradition that James traveled to Spain to preach the good news but scholars doubt this was possible. Another tradition claims that his body is buried in Santiago de Compostela in Spain which has become a great pilgrimage location. He is the patron saint of Spain.
His feast day is celebrated today, July 25th.
Although named for a relative it is James the Greater that is the patron birth name of my son.
St. James, Apostle-Bishop-Martyr, pray for us!
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