James 4:7
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
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St. James
Among the twelve apostles, three were chosen as the familiar companions of our blessed Lord and of these James was one. He, alone with Peter and John, were admitted to the house of Jairus when the dead woman was raised to life.
They alone were taken up to the high mountain, and saw the face of Jesus shining as the sun, and His garments white as snow and these three alone witnessed His agony of Gethsemane.
It was James who demanded fire from heaven to consume the inhospitable Samaritans, and who sought the place of honor by Christ in His Kingdom.
Feast Day: July 25
Name Meaning: “The supplanter”
Patron Saint of: Arthritis sufferers, Pharmacists, Veterinarians, Laborers, Pilgrims.
Key Facts about Saint Andrew
- Original Name and Calling: Originally Simon (or Simeon), he was a fisherman in Bethsaida before Jesus called him to be a “fisher of men,” along with his brother Andrew.
- The Name “Rock”: Jesus gave him the name Peter (derived from Petros in Greek or Cephas in Aramaic), which means “rock,” symbolizing his foundational role in the Church.
- Leader of the Apostles: Peter was the most prominent disciple, often acting as a spokesman for the twelve, and was part of Jesus’ inner circle along with James and John.
- The Denial and Redemption: Despite promising loyalty, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times on the night of his arrest, but was later redeemed and commissioned by Jesus to lead.
- Keys of the Kingdom: Jesus promised to give Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” a symbol of his authority.
- Early Church Leader: Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Peter took a leadership role in Jerusalem, performing miracles and preaching, before traveling to Rome to lead the Christian community there.
- Martyrdom: According to tradition, Peter was martyred between 64-68 CE under Emperor Nero’s persecution, requesting to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
- Burial Site: Peter is believed to be buried under St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
- Authorship: The biblical letters 1 Peter and 2 Peter are attributed to him.
What Saint is Known For Andrew
- Spokesman for Jesus: He often spoke for the disciples and was usually mentioned first in the Bible.
- First Pope: Roman Catholic tradition recognizes him as the first Bishop of Rome.
- Bold Preaching: He delivered a defining sermon on the day of Pentecost.
- Opening Christianity to Gentiles: He was pivotal in spreading the faith beyond the Jewish community.
Novena
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, who by reason of thy fervent and generous heart was chosen by Jesus to be witness of His glory on Mount Tabor, and of His agony in Gethsemane; thou, whose very name is a symbol of warfare and victory: obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending warfare of this life, that, having constantly and generously followed Jesus, we may be victors in the strife and deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
