(d.44) Saint James the Greater, aka the Elder, the son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of John, Son of Thunder, was possibly a cousin of Jesus and definitely a disciple of John the Baptist. He was a professional fisherman on the Sea of Galilee, and part of a special group (along with his brother, John, and Peter) that Jesus called aside on three important occasions. James was the first apostle to be martyred—he was stabbed with a sword by King Herod Agrippa in Jerusalem (Acts 12:1-2). His relics have long been a popular pilgrimage destination in Compostela, Spain. He may have been the author of the letter in the New Testament, but scholars tend to think it was the other Apostle James (the Lesser).

James, the Son of Thunder, was bold. Look up Luke 9:54. He teaches us to be bold in what we ask of our Lord. He also accepts it when Jesus “right sizes” him. How do you mix boldness and humility in your recovery?

“Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).

Reflection by Brad Farmer