Saint James the Greater - July 25
Today’s Readings: St. James the Apostle
AM Psalm 34; Jeremiah 16:14-21; Mark 1:14-20; PM Psalm 33; Jeremiah 26:1-15; Matthew 10:16-32
Today is the feast day of James the Greater – apostle of Jesus. Through biblical texts we know him as one of the sons of Zebedee. James and his brother John are often together. This duo joined Peter with Jesus one day that took them up a mountain; during this holy hike, they witnessed what we know as the Transfiguration. According to lore, James went on mission to Spain following Jesus’ death. He was beheaded by order of King Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2); James’ body was transported to Galicia – a region of northern Spain – and laid to rest in what was then a forest. He is the patron saint of pilgrims, laborers, veterinarians, soldiers, pharmacists, and those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Following this summer’s visit to Spain, I see James in a different light. Our group of 25 attended the Sunday Pilgrims’ Mass at the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, where Saint James’ bones are held. At the conclusion of worship, the enormous thurible (called the Botafumeiro) was hoisted above the congregation and dispensed billowing clouds of incense. It was thrilling to behold the enormous metal censer swinging and smoking right above us. This was a special experience that does not always happen during Pilgrims’ Masses – and July 25 is one of those designated days, honoring the martyrdom of James.
After going down to the crypt to see his tomb, we walked up narrow stairs to a large statue of James that overlooks the ornate sanctuary. This larger-than-life rendering of the first apostolic martyr is available for a hug! I walked up the stairwell into the space, following one of our teens. When it was my turn, I put my arms around the enormous metallic shoulders and my head barely peeked over the saint’s right shoulder. I thanked James for the journey: for the amazing experience, for getting to be part of this story, and for the courage to persevere. Even now, I am surprised by how much I was moved by this tradition.
James’ pilgrimage began when Jesus called him as he and John mended nets and fished with their dad (Mark 1:19-20). He did not set out to help proclaim the good news of God in Christ Jesus, and yet he learned what it was like to be vulnerable, facing situations as sheep in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16). James was taught by Jesus how to speak truth, bring healing, and live faithfully at all costs. Marveling at his ministry and legacy, may each of us be inspired by the ways following Jesus changed James.
Faithfully,
Katherine+