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Article: St. James the elder, apostle July 25, 2004.(Preaching Helps)
- Article from:
- Currents in Theology and Mission
- Article date:
- June 1, 2004
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Lutheran School of Theology and Mission. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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1 Kings 19:9-18
Psalm 7:1-11
Acts 11:27-12:3a
Mark 10:35-45
This feast day especially wants us to remember the martyrs, and James as the first among them. "King Herod ... had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword" (Acts 11:12). The Prayer of the Day asks God to "pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying service which is the true mark of authority among your people...." The intercessions are to include petitions for the gift of generosity, self-sacrifice, courage, and the spirit of service.
So it may seem curious that the gospel story we hear featuring James is less than flattering. We do ...