St. James’ 5 Lessons for Being a Christian

St James

St. James the Greater, also known as James, son of Zebedee, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus in the New Testament. He is traditionally considered to be the first bishop of Jerusalem and his feast day is celebrated on July 25th. He was born in Bethsaida, a small village on the Sea of Galilee, in the 1st century AD, and he was a fisherman by trade.

James became one of the first followers of Jesus along with his brother John and his father, Zebedee. They were among the twelve men whom Jesus personally chose and appointed as his apostles, to be his closest companions and to carry on his teachings after his death. James and John, were known as the “”Sons of Thunder”” due to their impulsive and passionate personalities.

James, along with his brother John, and Peter, formed the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples and were present at significant events in Jesus’ life, such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. After the resurrection of Jesus, James became a leader in the early Christian community in Jerusalem and was instrumental in the spread of the Christian message.

According to tradition, James preached in Spain, which led to the name Santiago as the Spanish name for him. He returned to Jerusalem where he played a leading role in the council of Jerusalem, where the question of the requirements for Gentile converts was debated, and James is credited with having proposed the solution that eventually became the basis of the council’s decision.

James was martyred for his faith, by King Herod Agrippa I in the year 44 AD. He was beheaded, becoming the first of the twelve apostles to be martyred for his beliefs. His remains were brought to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain where a great pilgrimage destination developed in his honor.

The traditional pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela has been made by Christians for over a thousand years. The Way of St. James, as it is known, is one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world and still attracts thousands of people each year. James is considered as the patron saint of Spain and his veneration spread through the entire Catholic world.

The Catholic Church officially confirmed James as a saint in the 9th century, and his cult has been popular throughout the centuries, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where many churches and chapels are dedicated to him. St. James is also the patron saint of many cities, towns and parishes, throughout Spain and Latin America.

The memory of James the Greater is honored in many ways, such as in the naming of many towns and parishes, institutions such as schools, hospitals, and charities. He is also depicted in many forms of art such as paintings and sculptures, and his feast day is celebrated in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church with great devotion.

6 Lessons from the Life of St. James the Greater

As one of the first, and closest disciples of Jesus, the story of the life of St. James can teach us many important lessons to apply in enriching our own faith life. Saint James serves as a model of what it means to be a Christian in both good times and bad and a reminder that despite our moments of pride and failings, God always loves us. Here are five important lessons St. James can teach all of us as Christians:

1) Cast Away Our Nets and Follow Jesus

Jesus, walking along the shore of the Lake of Galilee, saw the two brothers Peter and Andrew fishing. He called them to come with Him saying that He would make them fishers of men. Going a little farther He saw two other brothers who were also professional fisher men, James and John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee and some hired men. Jesus also called to them. They left their boat and their nets and followed Him.

These were the first four disciples that Jesus called. All four were to be included among the Twelve Apostles who would be the companions and helpers of Jesus during His public life and who would carry on the work of His Church after His Ascension.

Here we are focused on Saint James, son of Zebedee and brother of John. This James was called the Greater to distinguish him from another Apostle of the same name who is called James the Less. The names do not imply any difference in rank or ability. They simply mean that James the Greater was older than the other James.

What nets are there in our own lives that hold us back from following Jesus? Do we let our own pride, our own wants and needs keep us from giving ourselves fully to the Lord? Do we have what it takes too answer Jesus’s call to turn away from all things that keep us from him? St. James is a great model for us to follow in our quest to grow closer to God through his Son.

2) To Follow Jesus We Must Follow His Suffering

Many of those listened to our Lord’s preaching and teaching did not realize that His mission on earth was entirely spiritual. Even those who accepted Him as the promised Redeemer expected Him to reestablish the glorious Jewish kingdom of David and Solomon James and John shared in this belief for a time.

One day their mother, Salome, said to Jesus: “Say that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand and the other on thy left, in thy kingdom.” The brothers joined their mother in urging this. Jesus said to Salome: “You know not what you ask.” Then turning to the brothers, He said: “Can you drink the chalice I shall drink?” Promptly they replied: “We can.” My chalice indeed you shall drink,” Jesus said, and they understood that it was to be a chalice of suffering. “But to sit on my right hand or on my left is not mine to give you, but them for whom it is prepared by my Father.”

Because of their competitive natures, James and John were called by our Lord “Boanerges,” sons of thunder. When a town of the Samaritans refused to give Jesus hospitality, James and John asked: “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” Jesus replied: “You know not of what spirit you are. The Son of Man came not to destroy souls but to save.”

3) Our Faith Community Will Lead Us Closer to God

James is linked so closely with Peter and John that it is impossible to tell his story separately. These three were the favored Apostles; they were often with Jesus when the others were absent. Peter, James, and John were present when Jesus cured Peter’s mother-in-law. The same three were present when the daughter of Jairus was brought to life. These three saw the Transfiguration of our Lord on Mount Thabor when He appeared in His glory with Moses and Elias beside Him, and they heard a voice out of the cloud saying: “This is my beloved Son; hear him.”

4) Our Faith Community Supports Us In Our Failings

It was Peter, James, and John who ac accompanied Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper. While He underwent the terrible Agony in the Garden, they waited a short distance away. Three times Jesus interrupted His prayer to come to the three, and each time He found them sleeping.

In later years they must have thought often of His sorrowful reproach: “Could you not watch one hour with me?” Even in our failings, and moments of weakness where we turn away from God, he still loves us.

5) We Can Grow Closer to Jesus Through the Blessed Mother Mary

After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles went their separate ways to do their Lord’s work. There is a strong tradition that James went to Spain and established the Church in that land. There is also a tradition that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, appeared to him while he was in Saragossa, Spain. She was standing on a pillar of jasper, with angels all about her, and beautiful music came from the angelic choir.

James readily recognized Mary, for he knew her well, but he was puzzled because he knew that she was still alive and living in the home of his brother John in Jerusalem. Mary reassured James. She told him she wished a chapel built where she stood, for she knew the people of this region would always be faithful to her. Then she vanished and the angels with her. This was the origin of the devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar, which is very popular in Spain. The church which encloses the shrine today has an altar on the gospel side that is dedicated to St. James.

6) Live Out the Gospel In Every Moment of Your Life

After a long missionary journey St. James returned to Jerusalem and was active in that city. Herod Agrippa, who ruled Jerusalem, sought to please both the Jews and the Romans by putting St. James to death for preaching the Christian religion. According to an old story, James was betrayed by a man named Josias. While James and Josias were on their way to the place of execution James cured a poor paralytic. Josias was so impressed by this, and by the serenity of Saint James, that he asked to be baptized. James baptized him. Then, the story concludes, the two were beheaded together. Scripture tells us simply that Agrippa “killed James, the brother of John, with a sword.” This was in the year 43.

Except for the traitor Judas, James was the first of the Apostles to die. James was buried in Jerusalem. Tradition tells us that his remains were taken to Spain where they were eventually enshrined in the Cathedral of Compostela. During the Middle Ages the burial place became one of the greatest of Christian shrines. Some scholars say that it is doubtful that St. James ever went to Spain. They also tell us that it is not certain that the remains at Compostela are actually those of St. James the Greater.

But there is no doubt about the affection of the Spanish people for St. James. They invoked him repeatedly during their seven-century struggle against the Moors and gave him much of the credit for their eventual victory. They also invoked him in their exploration and conquest of the New World. We can see evidences of their devotion today in the many places in Latin America that are named Santiago. San Diego, California is even named after St. James the Great.

Saint James is the patron saint of fisherman, travelers, and those who suffer from arthritis and rheumatism.

The feast day of St. James is celebrated on July 25th.

Popular St. James Medal and St. James Rosary

Prayers to St. James

Below are a series of prayers to recite asking for the spiritual intercession of St. James. May these prayers to St. James help you find peace and grow closer to God through his disciple, Saint James.

Loving God, through Your apostle St. James,
we seek Your guidance and constant protection for our parish community.

Gathered together as Your people, we come as we are,
to live out the Gospel message, in a faith-filled, welcoming and caring community.

Grant us Your help in our weakness,
that we may proclaim to all,
Your abundant goodness.

We praise and thank You for your gifts,
given freely to us.

May we never lose faith in You
and always strive to learn,
in a spirit of strength and gentleness.

On our pilgrimage,
may we be an example of Your love,
to those we meet.

Loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
we ask that You always watch over us
in all we do.
Amen

Prayer to St. James the Greater

Dear St. James the Greater,

You were one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, and you had the privilege of witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings. You are also known for your courage, for being the first apostle to be martyred for the sake of the gospel.

I pray that you will intercede for me and for all those who are in need of your assistance. Help us to imitate your unwavering faith and your zeal for spreading the good news of salvation.

May we be inspired by your example to be courageous in the face of adversity and to never waver in our devotion to Christ. May we always be mindful of His teachings and His love, so that we may become better servants of His kingdom.

Through your intercession, may we experience the joy and peace that comes from being close to our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Prayer for Guidance

St. James the Greater,

You were a man of great faith, always following the will of God and never deviating from His path. You left everything behind to follow Jesus and become a witness to His teachings and miracles.

I ask for your intercession as I navigate the uncertain waters of life. Help me to discern the will of God for my life, so that I may always be in step with His plans for me.

May your guidance and wisdom be with me always, and may I have the courage to follow the path that God has laid out for me, no matter where it may lead.

Through your intercession, may I be filled with the peace and confidence that comes from knowing that I am doing God’s will. Amen.

Prayer for Strength and Courage

St. James the Greater,

You were a man of great courage and strength, never faltering in your faith even in the face of persecution and death. Your unwavering devotion to Jesus inspired others to follow in your footsteps.

I pray that you will grant me the strength and courage to face the challenges and obstacles of life with grace and determination.

May I never lose sight of my faith in God, and may I always be an inspiration to others in my unwavering devotion to Him.

Through your intercession, may I have the strength to persevere in the face of adversity and to always put my trust in God. Amen.

 

St. James the Greater: Patron Saint of Pilgrims and Spain

St. James the Greater, also known as St. James the Greater the Apostle, is the patron saint of pilgrims and Spain. He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is mentioned in the New Testament.

St. James the Greater is considered the patron saint of pilgrims because of his journey to spread the gospel of Jesus. According to tradition, he preached the gospel in Spain and then returned to Jerusalem where he was martyred for his faith. His remains were later discovered in Compostela, Spain, and his tomb became a popular pilgrimage site. To this day, thousands of people make the pilgrimage to Compostela each year in honor of St. James the Greater.

In addition to his role as the patron saint of pilgrims, St. James the Greater is also considered the patron saint of Spain. This is because of his association with the country, and because of the strong devotion to him that exists there. He is often referred to as “Santiago,” and his feast day is celebrated on July 25th.

St. James the Greater is remembered as a steadfast and fearless witness to the gospel of Jesus. Through his example, he continues to inspire us to be brave in our own faith journeys and to share the good news of Jesus with others.” “

Reflection on the feast day of St. James the Greater

The feast day of St. James the Greater, also known as James, son of Zebedee, is celebrated on July 25th in the Catholic Church.

St. James the Greater was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is known for his strong faith and devotion. He is often referred to as the “”son of thunder”” because of his impulsive nature and his eagerness to follow Jesus. According to the Bible, he was present at the transfiguration of Jesus and was one of the three apostles that Jesus took with him to witness the raising of the daughter of Jairus.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. James the Greater, we are reminded of the importance of strong faith and devotion in our lives. St. James teaches us that to truly follow Jesus, we must be willing to put aside our own desires and to fully embrace the will of God. He reminds us that true faith is not just about belief, but about action and commitment.

St. James the Greater is also a reminder of the importance of perseverance in our faith. He was one of the twelve apostles, but he was also one of the first martyrs. He suffered for his faith and gave his life for Jesus. He reminds us that the road to salvation is not always easy, but that with the help of God, we can endure through any challenges that may come our way.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. James the Greater, let us call on his powerful intercession and ask him to guide and protect us on our journey of faith. Let us also remember that just like St. James, we too have the opportunity to be faithful servants of God, spreading the good news of the Gospel to all those around us. May God bless us all.

In conclusion, the feast day of St. James the Greater is a powerful reminder of the strong faith and devotion that we should all strive to emulate in our own lives. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on how we can deepen our own faith, and to ask for the intercession of St. James in our journey of faith. May the example of St. James the Greater guide us to become more faithful servants of God.

Discover biographies, prayers, and reflections for more than 400 Catholic Saints

O Glorious St. James,
because of your fervor and
generosity, Jesus chose you to
witness His glory on the Mount
and His agony in the garden.
Obtain for us strength and
consolation in the upending
struggles of this life. Help us to
follow Christ constantly and
generously, to be victors over
all our difficulties, and to
receive the crown of glory in heaven.
Amen.

Dear Saint James, specially chosen to witness Jesus’ glory in the Transfiguration and His agony at Gethsemane, you are the patron of all who suffer with arthritis and rheumatism.

I ask you now to intercede for me before Our Lord, that in His mercy God might heal me of the symptoms and root causes of these illnesses.

Help all people to follow Christ as you did, to overcome in all our difficulties, and to receive the crown of life in heaven.

Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Saints Similar to St. James the Greater

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. James the Lesser. St. James the Greater and St. James the Lesser are both apostles, with shared biblical contexts. There are no direct connections to other saints in the list. Next up: Biography of St. James the Lesser

 

Also check out our handmade St. James the Greater Medal and St. James the Greater Rosary and St. James the Greater Rosary Bracelet .