Saint of the Day
St. James the Apostle
James the son of Zebedee was one of the inner circle of apostles, present at the Transfiguration and in Gethsemane; he was beheaded by Herod Agrippa around AD 44, making him the first of the twelve apostles to be martyred.
Scripture Reading
Mark 10:38-39
But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink..."
Reflection
James sought a place of honor and received a promise of suffering alongside Jesus. He was the first of the twelve to be martyred. The path to greatness in the kingdom runs through the cup of sacrifice, not around it. But Jesus does not ask us to drink that cup alone — he has already gone before us to the bottom of it.
Prayer for Today
Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Amen.