What ever happened to the apostles?

Let’s learn more about one of the apostle

James = Greek form of Jacob “heel grasper; trickster” See handouts

Jesus calls James and John

Way of St. James

Way of St James

End of it, you get a compostela, an indulgence for walking at least about 70 miles or biking at least about 120 miles. "The HEAD of the Holy Apostolic Metropolitan Church of Compostela, guardian of the seal of the Holy Altar of the Apostle James, to all Faithful and Pilgrims from all the earth who come with feelings of devotion or vowed to a cause to the threshold of the Apostle, both our Patron of Spain and Protector St. James, by authenticating the letters of each and every visitation, makes known that [Name] has devoutly visited this Sacred Church on a pious cause. In whose strong faith this letter is presented, with the seal of the same Holy Church, conferred upon them. Given at Compostela on the day [day] month [month] year of the Lord [year]. Deputy Canon for Pilgrims”

Way of St James

Cathedral

The Way

Map of the Apostles

Discussion Questions Can we love Jesus and hate his enemies? Yes, we can cf. Psalm 97:10 “Let those who love the Lord hate evil.” Hate them, because they hate Jesus; love them, because Jesus died for them too. What do you think about emotional responses to the trials of the Christian life: like anger, frustration, discouragement? (Luke 9:51-56) They can be helpful, but not usually. Think before you say or act.

Discussion Questions What does self-seeking pride do to the Church’s mission to the world? (Mark 10:35-40) Hinders it by putting focus on us and not the Lord and his Church In what way is the “sword of Herod” (threat of death) a continuing threat to our discipleship today? Always an element of danger when you bring the gospel to people who are hostile to it

Discussion Questions Can we relate to this threat of death? Not really in the US, but other Christians around the world can. Threats here are more mental than physical. How can this threat of death motivate us? Early disciples still preached the gospel after James’ death, cf. Paul.

Discussion Questions What about James do you admire? Anything you do not admire? Admire – his boldness at times; Not admire – his boldness at times What characteristics of James do you see in people today? Focus on self, not Christ; acting before thinking

O Lord, for James we praise you, / Who fell to Herod's sword. He drank the cup of suff'ring / And thus fulfilled your Word. Lord, curb our vain impatience / For glory and for fame; Equip us for such suff'rings / As glorify your name. - CW 552 By All your Saints Still Striving