From the time James manifested his ambitions, which were not entirely noble, until his martyrdom, there is a long interior process. His same zeal, directed against those Samaritans who did not want to receive Jesus because he gave the impression of going to Jerusalem , was later transformed into a zeal for souls. Little by little, preserving his own personality, he learned that zeal for the things of God cannot be harsh and violent, and that the only worthwhile ambition is the glory of God. Clement of Alexandria tells us that when the Apostle was taken to the tribunal where he was to be judged, such was his fortitude that his accuser approached him to ask for forgiveness. James... thought about it. Then he embraced him saying: "Peace be with you"; and they both received the palm of martyrdom.
In meditating today on the life of the Apostle James, it helps us not a little to see his defects, and those of the Twelve whom the Lord had chosen. They were neither powerful, nor wise, nor simple. We see them at times ambitious, argumentative , with little faith. James will be the first martyred Apostle. Divine help can do so much! How many thanks he will give to God in Heaven for having led him along paths so different from those he had dreamed of! This is how the Lord is: because he is good and infinitely wise, and loves us, on many occasions he does not give us what we ask for, but what is convenient for us.
James, like the other Apostles, had defects and weaknesses that can be clearly seen in the accounts of the Evangelists. But, along with these shortcomings and failings, he had a great soul and a great heart. The Master was always patient with him and with everyone, and he had the time to teach them and form them with a wise divine pedagogy. "Let us notice," writes St. John Chrysostom, "how the Lord's manner of questioning is tantamount to exhortation and encouragement. He does not say: 'Can you endure death, are you able to shed your blood,' but his words are: Can you drink the cup? And, to encourage them to do so, he adds: That I must drink; thus, the consideration that it is the same chalice that the Lord must drink was to stimulate them to a more generous response. And to his Passion he gives the name of baptism, to signify that his sufferings were to be the cause of a great purification for the whole world "
The Lord has also called us. Let us not give way to discouragement if at times our weaknesses and defects become evident. If we turn to Jesus, he will encourage us to go forward in humility, more faithfully. The Lord also has patience with us and reckons with time.
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