HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE
THEME: Anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant’.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR MONDAY JULY 25 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Psalm 125:1-6
Matthew 20:20-28
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
Red
*INTRODUCTION*
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the Feast of St. James the Apostle, a member of the twelve and a brother to St John the apostle and Evangelist. James and John were two sons of Zebedee we hear in todays Gospel reading.
St. James was one of the first disciples and followers of the Lord. He was called together with the other three disciples at the lake of Galilee together with St. Peter, St. Andrew and his brother, St. John.
However, we know from the Acts of the Apostles that James did indeed drink Jesus’ cup beyond the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection. He was put to death by Herod Agrippa, about the year 44, and was the first of the apostles to die for Christ.
*FROM THE GOSPEL READING OF TODAY*
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ if there is something that touches a lot in todays Gospel reading is when James and John confirmed that they would, indeed, be willing to drink the chalice, Christ responded, “My chalice you will indeed drink.” They had no idea that the chalice meant their suffering and death, but Christ knew well that they were to live out their mission to serve him by their martyrdom. May we today and always be willing to accept the chalices of suffering we encounter as part of God’s mission for us, knowing that he will use everything as an opportunity to draw us closer to the Father.
*CONCLUSION*
Dear Friends, every time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the Lord asks us, ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ In coming to the Eucharist we are dedicating ourselves to following in the Lord’s way, even though it may cost us a great deal. We should all strive to follow in the Lord’s way and to live by his truth as St James did through out his life. May the Good bless this week we have began, in Jesus name.
St James Pray for Us!
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA