Fears and Tears

The Feast Day of St. James, the Apostle was last Saturday. I enjoy learning about the saints, as their witness to the faith encourages me in my own journey.

St. James and his brother St. John were fishermen by trade, and at Jesus’s invitation, they immediately left everything and followed Him.

The brothers were nicknamed “Sons of Thunder,” for their enthusiastic zeal in the faith.

Saint James was one of the favored three who had the privilege of witnessing the Transfiguration, the raising to life of the daughter of Jairus, and the agony in Gethsemani. (www.Franciscan media.com)

The brothers would go on different paths, St. James the first Apostle to be martyred in 44AD, and St. John the only Apostle to die a natural death in 100AD at age 95. The first and the last.

In Christian tradition it is said that a scribe, friend of James betrayed him, but then he repented and asked for forgiveness before the execution. James said to him: “Peace be with you”, embraced him and baptized him. Both were beheaded together. (Heraldsusa.org)

I reflect on my faith journey and realize that the Lord calls me to follow Him, on a path that is unique to me. It is not the same as another and I can trust in the Lord to guide and accompany me on the way.

As these brothers took different paths, following Jesus, I understand that I cannot compare my way to another, or question why my path goes a direction I did not expect.

Jesus calls me to follow Him, and my faith journey is built upon each step I take forward, every prayer I pray, every tear I shed, every breath I breathe, and every beat of my heart.

I am a pilgrim on the journey, not alone, but with others on the way. Let us encourage each other, in words and deeds, and be strengthened by the One who calls us.

St. James, pray for us.