About St. James

Why the ‘Greater’?

James is styled "the Greater" to distinguish him from the Apostle James "the Less", who was probably shorter of stature. He was the son of Zebedee and Salome. He was the brother of John, the beloved disciple, and probably the elder of the two. We know nothing of St. James's early life.

His Call

The call of St. James to the discipleship of the Messiah is reported in a parallel narration by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The two sons of Zebedee, as well as Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew with whom they were in partnership were called by the Lord upon the Sea of Galilee, where all four with Zebedee and his hired servants were engaged in their ordinary occupation of fishing. The sons of Zebedee "forthwith left their nets and father, and followed him" and became "fishers of men". Peter and Andrew, James and John form the first group, a prominent and chosen group especially Peter, James, and John. These three Apostles alone were admitted to be present at the miracle of the raising of Jairus's daughter, at the Transfiguration, and the Agony in Gethsemani. The fact that the name of James occurs always before that of his brother seems to imply that James was the elder of the two.

“Sons of Thunder”

Several incidents scattered through the Synoptics suggest that James and John had that particular character indicated by the name "Boanerges," sons of thunder, given to them by the Lord; they were burning and impetuous in their evangelical zeal and severe in temper. The two brothers showed their fiery temperament against "a certain man casting out devils" in the name of the Christ. When the Samaritans refused to receive Christ, James and John said: "Lord, do you wish that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?"

James, man of prayer,
pray that we may listen and respond to God’s call in our lives.

James, holy apostle,
pray that we may be disciples of Jesus in word and action.

James, devoted friend of Jesus,
pray that we may be strong in our devotion to one another

James, the fisherman, patron of laborers,
pray for us in our labors and help those seeking employment

James, witness of the transfiguration of Jesus,
pray that  we may see the glory of God revealed in our lives     

James, compassionate teacher,
pray that we may serve one another in love.

James, faithful to God’s call,
pray for us in our efforts to live our Catholic faith.

James, comfort of the troubled,
pray for those who are suffering.

James, holy martyr,
pray that we may be prepared to accept our own death

Blessed James, may your inner spirit of peace, good work, discipleship and prayer always be an inspiration to us.  

Holy Apostle, walk with us on our journey of faith.  May your prayers obtain for us the wisdom to discern God’s call and the strength to endure, so that we may grow in holiness and rejoice in communion with all the saints.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.