Homily for the Feast of Saint James, Apostle
🌟 Theme: "Called to Share the Cup: Witness, Sacrifice, and Glory"
Readings:
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm: 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28
📍 Introduction
A priest was explaining to his catechism class that apostles were not superheroes but ordinary men with extraordinary missions. A little boy interrupted:
“Father, if they weren’t superheroes, why did Jesus pick guys with names like James the Greater and James the Lesser? Was that like Batman and Robin?”
The class laughed—and the priest chuckled too. “No, my child, it just meant that one was probably older or taller!”
This reminds us that God uses ordinary people, not perfect or powerful ones, to do great things—people like James, whose feast we celebrate today.
📖 The Word of God
2 Corinthians 4:7-15 speaks of "treasures in jars of clay"—how the glorious message of the Gospel is carried by fragile, fallible human beings. St Paul reminds us that suffering and sacrifice are part of discipleship but not without meaning. Our trials mirror the death of Jesus, so His life may also be revealed in us.
Psalm 126 echoes this message with joy: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” The path of witness is costly, but God's faithfulness turns sorrow into celebration.
Matthew 20:20-28 is the heart of this feast. James and John, with their mother, request seats of glory beside Jesus. But Jesus asks:
“Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?”
James replies, “We can.”
This was not a promise of comfort, but a path to suffering and self-giving love. James would later be the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:2).
🔗 Connection of the Readings
These three readings converge on one truth: discipleship means sacrifice.
Saint James followed Jesus not just in mission, but in martyrdom. His life became a vessel through which Christ's glory shone. His story urges us not to seek places of honour, but the grace to carry the cup of witness, even when it's difficult.
💭 Reflection Questions
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What “cup” is Jesus asking you to drink today? Is it suffering, sacrifice, forgiveness, or service?
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Are you seeking places of honour in life or opportunities to serve?
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Do I still desire greatness in God’s Kingdom—and have I understood what that greatness really means?
🚶 Implications for Daily Living
In the Jubilee Year of Hope and during the Synod on Synodality, we are called to:
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Embrace vulnerability like jars of clay—God works through our weaknesses.
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Walk with others on the journey, not above them.
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Give up comfort for the sake of community and communion.
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Be voices of hope in the face of despair, just as the apostles were.
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Cultivate listening, sacrifice, and service in Church life.
🌈 Inspiration / Motivation
James shows us that faith is not just belief, but bold action.
He was hot-tempered at first (a “Son of Thunder”), but he became a martyr of peace. Transformation is possible when we truly follow Christ.
📝 Quote for Reflection
“The measure of your greatness is not in how many serve you, but in how much you are willing to serve.”
— Adapted from Matthew 20:26
🔚 Final Thoughts
Saint James reminds us: we are not called to comfort, but to courage. Not to applause, but to witness. Let us ask for the strength to drink the cup of the Gospel with joy, knowing that our tears will not be in vain.
🙏 Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus,
As You called Saint James to leave everything and follow You,
call us today from the comfort of our ambitions to the courage of discipleship.
Give us the grace to drink Your cup—of love, of suffering, of mission—
so that in our frailty, Your glory may shine.
Teach us to serve, not to seek honour.
To listen, not to demand.
To walk together, not to dominate.
In this Jubilee Year and in our synodal journey,
may the witness of Saint James awaken in us
a renewed commitment to the Gospel,
a deeper love for Your Church,
and an unshakeable hope in Your promises.
We ask this in Your Holy Name. Amen.
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