Feast of St. James, Apostle
Today we celebrate the memory of St. James the Apostle. Any time we celebrate an apostle, we are reminded of the sacrifice made in order to serve and follow Christ. Our readings show this today. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he says this about the early Christians: “We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…” Paul is blunt, he tells the truth of servitude and the sacrifice that will need to be made.
In the gospel, it’s Jesus’ turn to be blunt. Those who wish to be with him in his Kingdom must sacrifice like him and be a servant to all. These directives were not just made for the disciples, and the holy ones; they are directives for all who call themselves Christian. Let us accept the trials of our faith, and humbly serve all the people we encounter. St. James, pray for us.
Reflection by Fr. Macario Martinez, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections