Saint James the Lesser, Apostle
By
Ed Ross
St. James the Lesser was
born the son of Alphaeus of Cleophas. His mother was Mary, possibly a sister or
a relative of the Blessed Virgin, and therefore he was sometimes called the
brother of the Lord. Information about the life of James is scarce, but it is
evident that he played a major role in leading the Church after the death of
Jesus. St. James the Lesser was also at times referred to as “James the Just”
due to his great integrity and virtue. He was called “James the Lesser” because
there was a more prominent James among the Apostles (James the son of Zebedee,
John’s brother, who is the more famous apostle). After the crucifixion of
Jesus, James the Lesser was created the first Bishop of Jerusalem. While
serving as Bishop of Jerusalem he had a difficult job to uphold, as he was in
the middle of a lions den, having to fear for his life all of the time.
After being thrown from
the Temple, James was martyred by stoning and was beaten with clubs while
praying for his attackers in 62 A.D, on the charge of “breaking the law.” It is
for this reason the club subsequently became the symbol used when depicting the
life of St. James the Lesser. The
feast day of St. James the Lesser is celebrated with that of Philip the
Apostle. It was traditionally observed on May 1 to commemorate the anniversary
of a church in Rome being dedicated to them. The ordinary calendar has moved
the feast day to May 3.
He was known through
tradition as the author of the Epistle that is named for him and is in the New
Testament. The Epistle of St. James divulges a grave, meek and calm mind that
was given in prayer and devoted to the poor. James is also said to be the author of the Apostolic Decree
of Acts 15.
The mission of St. James
the Lesser was a lofty one and the most praiseworthy of all. He could lead to
Christ the chosen Jew to which God’s promise of final conversion was given.
James’s success can be seen from his words to Paul, “You see, brother, how many
thousands of believers there are among Jews, all of them zealous upholders of
the law.”
From the day James was
born, he was pure, never drinking wine or eating flesh. He never shaved or wore
any clothes except one linen garment. He wore no sandals. He did not use woolen
vestments and had the privilege of going to the temple alone to pray so much
for the people that the skin of his forehead and knees was hardened to resemble
that of camels’ knees. St. Epiphanius said that in a great drought while
stretching out his arms to heaven he, by his prayers, achieved rain. James was
described as one of the people to whom the risen Christ showed himself.
James the Lesser faced
many of the trials and tribulations that we will encounter through our lives,
and confronting them cost him his life. He died in the name of the Lord. He was
great in the kingdom of God.
James did not need
material possessions in his life, and chose to keep things as simple as he
could. In today’s society, people should use St. James the Lesser as an example
to live by. Others can teach their children of the non-materialistic attitude
that James possessed. The importance of having everything you want or see is
not as significant as having only what you need or what you believe in. He has
also taught us to strive for what we believe in and not to be influenced by
others. Through James we can be reminded the meaning of being pure, just, and
honest, while remembering the importance of integrity. All of these things are
significant and imperative for us to make our lives better and most of all to
make us better people while following our belief in God!
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