One of the Twelve Apostles, James son of Alphaeus, often identified with James who led the Church in Jerusalem.
Life
James the Less was one of the Twelve and appears in the Gospels as "James the son of Alphaeus." He is called "the Less" to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee. The Gospels record almost nothing else about him.
Western tradition has identified him with "James the brother of the Lord," leader of the church in Jerusalem, and has linked him with the Letter of James in the New Testament, though scholars differ on whether these are the same person. James of Jerusalem is said to have been martyred around 62. The Church remembers him on May 3 together with the apostle Philip.
Spirituality
The spirituality of James the Less is faithfulness in a hidden place. Little is recorded of him, yet as an apostle he followed the Lord to the end. The Letter of James, long associated with him, stresses a faith shown in deeds. He lived his apostolic calling through faithful living rather than a celebrated record.
Reflection
The Letter of James says that faith without works is dead. Faith shows itself through hands and feet. What small action could show my faith today?