Son of Zebedee and one of the Twelve, the first Apostle to be martyred; honored at Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Life
James the Greater was the son of Zebedee and the brother of the apostle John, a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. When Jesus called him, he left his boat and his father at once and followed. Jesus called him and John "sons of thunder."
With Peter and John he was one of the close disciples present at the Transfiguration and at Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. According to the Acts of the Apostles, around 44 he was put to the sword by Herod Agrippa I, the first of the Twelve to die a martyr. Tradition says he preached the Gospel in Spain and that his relics rest at Santiago de Compostela, which became a famous place of pilgrimage.
Spirituality
The spirituality of James the Greater is the way in which zeal is refined into humble service. He once asked for a place of honor, but to the Lord's question whether he could drink his cup, he finally answered with the first martyrdom among the apostles. As close as he was to the Lord, he was also the first to share in his suffering.
Reflection
The name of James has become a road for countless pilgrims. Faith is a road we walk. On my own journey of faith, what is the next step I need to take?