Feast of Saint James (Homily for Thursday of the 16th week in Ordinary time year II July 25 2024

Homily for Thursday of the 16th week in Ordinary time year II July 25 2024

Feast of Saint James

St. James, one of the first four Apostles called by Christ Jesus, was the son of Zebedee and the brother of John. He was privileged to witness significant events in Christ's public life, including the Transfiguration and the agony in the Garden. Due to their fervent zeal, Jesus named James and his brother John the "Sons of Thunder."

James carried out his apostolate in Judaea and Samaria, preached the Gospel in Spain, and upon returning to Jerusalem, was martyred by beheading under Herod Agrippa around 42 A.D. He was the first Apostle to suffer martyrdom. His remains were later brought to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, which became a renowned pilgrimage site and a sanctuary of faith for all of Europe.

In today's Gospel, James and John, with the assistance of their mother, requested to sit at Jesus' right and left in His kingdom. Jesus responded, "Are you able to drink the chalice that I am to drink?" (Matt. 20:22). They affirmed, "We are able" (Matt. 20:22). Indeed, James partook of the chalice of suffering through his martyrdom.

At this point, the other ten Apostles were indignant at James and John. Jesus used this moment to teach a profound lesson on leadership defined by service. He exemplified this with His own life: "The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28). Jesus left us a model of leadership characterized by self-sacrifice and humility. His authority brought life to the dead, enlightenment to the ignorant, sight to the blind, liberation to those in bondage, and reconciliation with God and our neighbors.

St. Paul, in the second reading, provides a compelling reason for humility: "We have this treasure in earthen vessels to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Cor. 4:7). Despite our fragility, we are capable of bearing an incomparable treasure, as God works wonders in us despite our weaknesses.

Like St. James, we are called by the Lord in our weaknesses. We should not let these weaknesses discourage us. If we seek His help, He will grant us the courage to faithfully carry out the mission entrusted to us.

May God, through the intercession of St. James, grant us the grace to be humble in serving others through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God bless you all