SAINT JAMES, APOSTLE (FEAST)

Can you drink the chalice?

Do you remember the story in Luke’s Gospel when James and his brother, John, asked Jesus a pointed question? It didn’t end well. Reacting to the way a village of Samaritans had rejected Jesus, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” (Luke 9:54). Such a request earned a rebuke from Jesus.

A similar scene plays out in today’s Gospel. This time the brothers had their mother ask in their place: “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left” (Matthew 20:21). Perhaps they thought she was a more sympathetic figure. Or perhaps they wanted to hide their true motives. But Jesus saw through the ruse and addressed the brothers directly: “You do not know what you are asking” (20:22).

If James had never moved beyond these failed attempts at glory, we wouldn’t be celebrating his feast day today. But there’s so much more to his story. The mere fact that he stuck with Jesus speaks volumes in itself! He didn’t let his missteps or Jesus’ rebukes discourage him. Instead, he let them produce in him the humility and openness to the Spirit that is the hallmark of every saint.

Tradition tells us that after Pentecost, James traveled as far as Spain bringing the good news to thousands of people before returning to Jerusalem. James became such an effective evangelist that he captured even King Herod’s attention—and his wrath (Acts 12:1-2). Just as Jesus had foretold, James did indeed drink “the chalice” that Jesus drank (Matthew 20:22). Like his Lord, he embraced the call not to be served “but to serve and to give his life” for the gospel (20:28).

So as you celebrate St. James today, remember how he started out. Remember how patient Jesus was with him, and remember how persistent James was. Then think about your own life. There’s still room for you to become more like the Lord. And there’s still more that Jesus wants to do in you and through you. Your story isn’t over yet!

“Jesus, help me to follow you even more closely today.”

2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 126:1-6
(Matthew 20:20-28)