James, Apostle and Martyr

A number of things can be inferred from the references to James in the gospels, together with tradition and what has been passed on in the writing of others. James was the son of Alphaeus. St. Paul tells us that Jesus made a special appearance to James prior to the Ascension. The other apostles were still suspicious of Paul when, three years after his conversion, he visited Jerusalem. But James, along with Peter, gave Paul a cordial welcome.  Early writers tell us that James was stoned to death by the scribes and Pharisees who were afraid that, because of his influence with the people, he would bring all of Jerusalem to Christ. As he was being stoned, James knelt down and prayed for his tormentors.

Like many other martyrs and like Jesus, James prayed for his persecutors. It is not easy loving those with whom we are in strong disagreement, but that is what Jesus asks us to do.