During this coming week we can meditate and go on a journey with St. James, by choosing to read the following New Testament passages. In particular, Jesus gave James the Greater, John, and Peter the privilege of witnessing three key moments in His ministry:
- The raising of Jairus’ recently deceased daughter (Mark 5:35-43);
- The transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8);
- Jesus’ agony in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46).
The Death of James the Greater and the Legend of His Remains: James the Greater was the first apostle to be martyred and the only apostle aside from Judas Iscariot whose death is recorded in the Bible (Acts 12:1-2). Scholars believe that King Herod Agrippa ordered the beheading of James in 44 A.D. in Jerusalem. Medieval legend holds that James the Greater had preached in Spain during his lifetime and that, after his death, his remains were transported to Spain for burial. Those remains were later enshrined in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia (northwestern), Spain, where they remain today.
The Way of St. James: One of the oldest and most prominent pilgrimages is the Way of St. James, traveling to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. See the attached file to learn more about the Way of St. James.
PILGRIM’S PRAYER
St. James, Apostle, chosen among the first. You were the first to drink the Cup of the Master and you are the great protector of pilgrims; make us strong in faith and happy in hope on our pilgrim journey following the path of Christian life and sustain us so that we may finally reach the glory of God the Father. Amen.