"Their message goes out through all the earth."
Psalm 19:5
Today we celebrate the life of St. James. Not to be confused with the other St. James (who famously walked the “Way of St. James” to Spain), we know so very little about this St. James “the Less.” What we do know for certain, however, is that Jesus called him to be an apostle. He followed Jesus. And eventually, after witnessing to the faith, he was persecuted and killed. That’s it. Yet there’s something about this story of “the Less” that captivates: a humble disciple called by Jesus to courageously share the Gospel message who lived out that calling until death. How many faithful Christians, throughout the centuries, have lived like St. James the Less? Not accompanied by a “fan club” or great recognition, they followed Jesus and did so until their final moments on earth.
How can I follow the example of St. James the Less?
Jesus, you invite me to follow you. May I do so from now until when you call me home!
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Connor Penn
Did you know…
Fr. Connor Penn is parochial vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Clearwater. Ordained in 2020, Fr. Penn briefly studied journalism before entering the seminary. Fr. Penn grew up in Temple Terrace, attending Corpus Christi Catholic School and later Jesuit High School.
