JAMES THE GREATER

Apostle and Martyr
Feast observed on Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Gracetide

James the Greater was the son of Zebedee, and with his elder brother John and with Peter, the constituted the inner circle of the disciples. James was present at the Transfiguration and the Agony in Gethsemane. His zeal was ardent and he and his brother were named by the Lord “Boanerges”, which means “sons of thunder”. James was beheaded by Herod Agrippa I in A. D. 44, the first of the Twelve to suffer martyrdom. Though the Scriptures assert that James never left Jerusalem during his life, an old Spanish tradition states that his remains were transferred to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. A large basilica exists in that city today, dedicated to James the Greater.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Join us together with James the Greater and all the apostles in unity of spirit and the breaking of the bread, so that we may be rightly taught, truly fed, and fully fortified as a holy temple, acceptable in your sight. We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 23
Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 19: 9-18
New Testament Reading: Acts 11:19 – 12:5
Gospel Reading: Matthew 10: 5-15

Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer
It is indeed right and salutary
that we should at all times and in all places
offer thanks and praise to you,
O Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

You displayed the wonders of your grace in the life of James the Greater,
calling him to faith in the Lord Jesus,
empowering him to give a true and faithful witness to your plan of redemption,
and calling him to martyrdom for the glory of your name.

And so, with James and all the saints,
and all the heavenly hosts and powers,
we join together in giving you praise
as we sing the endless hymn of your glory.