James and his brother, John, were young fishermen, the sons of Zebedee and his wife, Salome. Salome was a sister of Mary, the Mother of our Lord, making James a first cousin to Jesus. James and his brother were high-spirited and hot-tempered young men. Jesus called them the "Sons of Thunder."
Jesus seems to have been particularly fond of these somewhat rowdy companions. They, with Peter, were present at the Transfiguration. They certainly must have aggravated the other disciples when they asked to sit on either side of the Lord when he came into his kingdom. Furthermore, this request showed little insight into Jesus' teaching. Jesus rebuked them and used the occasion to try to prepare them for the suffering which was to come. James was to have but a brief ministry. He was soon brutally martyred by King Herod.
Almighty God, who gave to your apostle Saint James a ready will to obey the calling of your Son, and strength to suffer for his Name: Mercifully grant that no worldly affections may draw our hearts away from steadfast devotion to his service; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and evermore. Amen.
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O gracious God, we remember before you today your servant and apostle James, first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ; and we pray that you will pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of selfdenying service by which alone they may have true authority among your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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