The WORD in Other Words by Fr Glenn Paul Gomez SVD (Philippines)
Feast of Saint James the Apostles
2 Cor 4:7-15, Matt 20:20-28
Today is the feast of St. James the Apostle, John‘s brother, also Jesus‘ apostle. James and John were sons of Zebedee and Salome. James the Elder, as he was called, to differentiate him from James, son of Alpheus, had a fiery temper. Jesus gave both brothers a nickname: Boanerges or Sons of Thunder. They suggested to Jesus to call on heaven and let fire consume a Samaritan town when people there refused them passage through that place. James the Elder, considered the first apostle to be martyred, is the patron saint of Spain.
In the Gospel, Salome approached Jesus and asked that her two sons sit at Jesus right and left sides in God‘s Kingdom. Jesus reminded Salome that it was not within his authority to grant such a request. When the ten apostles heard it, they became indignant of the two brothers. Why did they react that way?
Knowing the desire of their hearts, Jesus reminded them (the 12 apostles and Salome): “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.”
I will be a hypocrite if I say that I don‘t want to sit beside Jesus in His Kingdom. Of course, that, too, is a desire of my heart. Today‘s feast and Gospel is a good reminder .
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