The Faith Journey of St James

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Sixteenth  Week : Thursday*

*Feast of St James the Apostle*

*Gospel : Matt 20:20-28*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 4:7-15*

*The Faith Journey of St James*

*1) Fishermen James*

St James the brother of John, was the Son of Zebedee

Salome was his mother 

It is believed that he was the first cousin of our Lord 

By profession he was a fishermen, at the Lake of Galilee

*2) The Apostle James*

James was called by Jesus along with his brother John and Peter and his brother Andrew 

While he was fishing at the Lake Galilee Jesus called him to become the fishers of Men 

Since then he followed Jesus and become one among the 12 followers of Jesus, whom Jesus called as Apostles

*3) The Ambitious James*

The Gospel of the day shows the another side of James 

He had a great desire of worldly power and position 

So along with his mother and brother he comes to Jesus to place a request through his mother 

The request for the position in the right and left, so that they could enjoy all benefits arising from the power and position

*4) The Specially Loved James*

James also enjoyed a special place among the disciples 

Along with Peter and John, James also had special place 

They often symbolise, faith, hope and Charity

They were privileged to witness our Lord raising to life the daughter of Jairus, His Transfiguration, and finally His own agony at Gethsemane

*5) The Martyred James*

He was the first Apostle to be martyred for faith 

In the Year 43 AD Herod Agrippa I beheaded him, because he was one of the leading men in the rapidly growing church 

So finally he was able to bear witness to Christ through His blood, which is the greatest sacrifice 

*6) Great Lessons from James*

He began with a simple fishermen 

After being called by Jesus, he had strong desire for worldly things, power and position 

Jesus trained him, at times rebuked him and finally he realised His call for spreading the Gospel of Jesus 

In spite of all his weakness, Jesus never withdrew the Love which he has for James. 

Such a Love, led James dedicate his life fully to Jesus 

The inspiring faith Journey of James shows us that anyone who wishes to follow Jesus can attain great spiritual heights, with the grace of God

Am I ready to follow Jesus like St James?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*