FEAST OF SAINT JAMES, APOSTLE

[cappie]

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. James, the Apostle, also called James the Great. He was one of Jesus' closest disciples and shared in many significant moments of our Saviour's life. He was among the first disciples to be called by Jesus and witnessed the transfiguration and the agony in the garden. St. James for us, serves as an example of what it means to follow Christ with unwavering faith and dedication.

As we commemorate his life and legacy, let us delve into the transformative journey of St. James we discover how we, too, can embrace the path of faith and find deeper meaning in our own lives.

 Just like St. James, each one of us has received a unique and personal call from Jesus to follow Him. The call may come in various forms—a stirring in our hearts, an encounter with Scripture, or an invitation from a friend or fellow believer. When Jesus called James, he left everything behind, which symbolises an abandonment of his former life to embrace the life-changing adventure of faith.

On this feast of St James we can reflect, have we truly embraced Christ's call? Are we willing to leave behind our old ways, our desires, and our sinful habits to become true followers of Christ?

With his invitation to follow Jesus, St. James embarked on a pilgrimage of faith, journeying with Jesus throughout His ministry. He witnessed incredible miracles and teachings, but he also faced challenges, doubts, and moments of weakness. St. James' journey wasn't without its difficulties, yet he persevered, understanding that the path of faith isn't always easy, but it is always worthwhile.

Likewise, our own lives are a pilgrimage of faith. We will encounter trials and tribulations, but we must remember that God's grace sustains us through every challenge. Embracing our faith means walking through life's uncertainties with unwavering trust in the One who called us.

St. James and his brother, St. John, once asked Jesus for seats of honour in His kingdom, revealing their desire for recognition and power. In response, Jesus taught them about the importance of humility and selfless service. St. James learned that greatness in the Kingdom of God comes not from seeking prominence but from serving others with love. Following the example of Jesus  are we willing to humbly serve others without seeking personal gain?

St. James' journey didn't end with Jesus' crucifixion. After the resurrection, he preached the Gospel and eventually faced martyrdom for his faith. His life underwent a profound transformation as he became a bold and courageous witness for Christ.

Today let us embrace the example of the Apostle James and commit to allowing Christ's transformative power to work within us. Let our faith journey be one of constant growth, where we continuously deepen our love for God and neighbour, and boldly proclaim the Gospel through our words and actions. May the life of St. James inspire us to be humble servants, courageous witnesses, and faithful followers of Christ. Let us be open to the transforming power of God, allowing Him to mold us into the image of His Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

 

 

[BarbTherese]

Thank you (for the Feast of St James commentary)