St. James the Greater - Patron of Spain, of Chile, of Pilgrims and of Manual Laborers - July 25th
James was a fisherman like his father Zebedee and his brother John. He was on his father’s boat mending his nets when Our Lord passed by and called him and John to become fishers of men. At once they left their father and their boats to follow Jesus.
James, with St. Peter and St. John, was a special companion of Our Lord. With them, he was permitted to see what the other Apostles did not see. He was there when Our Lord raised the daughter of Jarius to life. He was taken up the mountain to see Jesus shining like the sun with His robes white as snow. He was allowed to stay with Our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Holy Thursday night when He sweat blood.
St. James was an impulsive, outspoken man, who wanted Jesus to send fire down on the villages which did not receive Our Lord. But he had great faith in Jesus, and he learned to become humble and meek. To him was given the honor of being the first Apostle to die for Our Lord. The Holy Bible tell us that King Herod Agrippa had St. James put to death by the sword.
The judge who was suppose to condemn the Apostle was so moved by St. James’ faith in Jesus that right than and there he declared himself to be a Christian. For that, he, too, was condemned to death to be beheaded. As he walked beside St. James to his execution, he begged the Apostle to forgive him for arresting him. St. James turned and embraced him. “Peace be to you!” he said, and kissed him. And they died for Jesus together.
Jesus loves and chooses who are generous and ready to say “yes”.