SAINT JAMES, APOSTLE (FEAST)

We who live are constantly being given up to death . . . so that the life of Jesus may be manifested.

James’s mother did what any mother would: she advocated for her sons. She asked Jesus to guarantee both James and John seats of honor in his kingdom (Matthew 20:20-21). Jesus’ response must have sobered everyone. Turning to the brothers, he asked, “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” (Matthew 20:22). The chalice of hardship and suffering, that is!

Of the twelve apostles, St. James, whose feast we celebrate today, was the first to drink that cup to its full on the day he was martyred. But that meant he was also the first to experience the “life” of the risen Lord Jesus in its fullest glory (2 Corinthians 4:10).

However, it’s not just physical death that manifests the life of Christ. Every trial, every ounce of suffering that we endure in faith is an opportunity for Jesus to show forth his life. Look at James as an example: he experienced fear and doubt and despair on Good Friday but knew incredible joy on Easter Sunday! He later faced persecution as he helped lead the church in Jerusalem, but then he knew the joy of seeing thousands of conversions when he traveled to Spain to proclaim the gospel. Then, when he returned home, he was martyred by Herod Agrippa, only to be raised up to the glory of Jesus’ heavenly throne (Acts 12:1-2).

James had every reason to feel afflicted, persecuted, and struck down (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9). But none of these experiences—not even his death—signaled utter defeat. That’s because his relationship with the risen Lord gave him unshakable confidence. Death was no longer the last word for James. And it isn’t for us.

We all face suffering and trials. But the fact that we’re celebrating St. James today tells us that we can experience the same hope and confidence he knew, even as we go through our challenges. That’s because we are all sharers in Jesus’ resurrection—not only in heaven but right here on earth!

“Jesus, help me to know the power of your resurrection today.”

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