Feast of St. James - October 23, 2023

Today’s Readings: AM: Psalm 119:145-168, PM: Psalm 122, 125; Jeremiah 11:18-23; Isaiah 65:17-25; Hebrews 12:12-24; Matthew 10:16-22

Today is the Feast of James of Jerusalem who the New Testament refers to as the brother of our Lord.  James was considered to be the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and some think he was the author of James.  In the 7th chapter of John, we are told that Jesus’s brothers didn’t believe him, a wonderful reminder that people come around with enough time.

The Gospel text selected for James’ feast includes this passage from Matthew: ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.’  James is martyred in the year 62 AD.  The historian Josephus wrote about James and there were reports that he was respected even by the Pharisees for his piety and adherence to the law. 

In full disclosure, I don’t pay that much attention to the Feast days in the Episcopal Church, but seeing James, brother of Jesus, and Bishop of Jerusalem it seemed fitting to reflect on his life.  When we have a feast day in the church, there is an accompanying Collect to go with the readings for the day.  Our collect for today is:

 Grant, O God, that, following the example of your servant James the Just, brother of our Lord, your Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. Amen.

 On this day when we remember James of Jerusalem, it seems as fitting as ever that the prayer for James invites us to prayer and to the reconciliation of “all who are at variance and enmity.”  The Bishop of our Holy land and one of the sources of perpetual conflict in our world, would be fitting to call us to pray for all who are at variance and enmity. May those prayers be heard especially today, we beseech thee O Lord.

John+

Questions for Reflection:  How do you pray for people who are at variance and enmity? What are the ways you work to help create opportunities for the work of reconciliation to take place in your life and the lives of those around you?