St James the Apostle – 25 July

James, son of Zebedee, along with his brother John together with Peter and Andrew, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus ‘Follow me’ (Matthew 4. 18 – 22).
Jesus described him and Andrew as Boanerges, Sons of Thunder (Mark 3. 17), because they were so impetuous (Mark 9. 38, Luke 9.54).
James died in 44 CE. His martyrdom is recorded in Acts (Acts 12. 2).

Merciful God,
whose holy apostle Saint James,
leaving his father and all that he had,
was obedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ
and followed him even to death:
help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world,
to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen