James the Great

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with the Reverend Doctor Stephen Wigley.

Good morning.

Today marks the feast day of St James, one of the first disciples chosen by Jesus, alongside his brother John, Simon Peter, and Andrew. He’s known as St James the Great to distinguish him from James’ son of Alphaeus, but while not intended to imply higher status, it does seem that Jesus chose Peter, James and John to accompany him at some significant moments, such as climbing the Mount of Transfiguration. Coming down from this moment of excitement James and John seem more preoccupied with seats in the coming Kingdom than heeding Jesus’ warning about how the Messiah will face suffering and death. So, when the three of them are invited to accompany Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, it’s no surprise that James like the other two falls asleep in the moment of crisis.

Is the James who is preoccupied with the best seats ready to share in Jesus’ cup of suffering? At this point no – but this is not the end of the story. As the risen Jesus returns to restore his broken disciples by Lake Galilee, James like Peter is given the opportunity for a fresh start. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, Peter and John find the courage to proclaim that Jesus is risen and resume his ministry. Although not named, we can presume James shares in this new leadership, since when the first wave of persecution breaks out, it is he whom Herod has killed with the sword, making him the first of the disciples to be martyred. So it is that the disciple who was once only interested in glory, becomes the first to offer his life in the service of Jesus and to share the cup of suffering that leads to salvation.

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the life and ministry of James; especially, we rejoice in your willingness to give him a second chance to find fulfilment in the service of your Son; for Christ’s sake, Amen.