Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. James the Greater
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Host: Mary McGhan
Guest: Dr. Ben Akers
Producer: Augustine Institute
Introduction
In this episode of Catholic Saints, Mary McGhan welcomes Dr. Ben Akers to delve into the life of St. James the Greater, one of the most revered apostles in Catholic tradition. The discussion aims to inspire listeners by exploring the heroic life of St. James and his unwavering faith.
Early Life and Calling of St. James
Mary initiates the conversation by asking about the foundational details of St. James the Greater's life, including his origins and early interactions with Jesus.
Key Points:
- Family Background: St. James is one of the sons of Zebedee and Salome, working as fishermen in the Sea of Galilee alongside his brother John and fellow apostles Peter and Andrew.
- Call to Discipleship: Both James and John are called by Jesus while mending their nets, leading them to leave their fishing business to follow Christ willingly.
Notable Quote:
Mary McGhan [00:02]: "This episode, we're going to talk about the life of St. James the Greater. So very excited to dive into this incredible saint."
The Inner Circle and Scriptural Witnesses
Dr. Akers explains St. James's role within Jesus’s inner circle and the significant events he witnessed.
Key Points:
- Inner Circle Membership: James, along with Peter and John, formed Jesus's inner circle, witnessing pivotal moments such as the Transfiguration (00:54).
- Scriptural Events: James saw the raising of Peter's mother-in-law, the Transfiguration of Christ, the raising of Jairus's daughter, and was present during Jesus's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Ben Akers [00:54]: "We're introduced to James through his brother John and through Peter and Andrew... and they drop their nets and follow Christ."
Personality Traits: "Sons of Thunder"
The discussion shifts to the nickname Jesus gave James and John, highlighting their fiery temperament and zeal.
Key Points:
- Boanerges: James and John are referred to as the "Sons of Thunder" (06:40), indicating their passionate and zealous nature.
- Scriptural Incidents: Examples include their desire to call down fire from heaven (08:12) and their boldness in other scriptural narratives, showcasing their fervent commitment to Jesus's mission.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Ben Akers [06:45]: "It's definitely not an insult, but I think if we look at Luke, chapter nine, we get an insight into their personality... a fiery temperament is indicative of their personalities."
The Call to Drink the Cup: Faith and Martyrdom
Mary and Dr. Akers explore the pivotal moment when Jesus asks James and John if they can drink the cup he is to drink, signifying their willingness to embrace martyrdom.
Key Points:
- Vocation of Faith: James and John respond affirmatively to Jesus's call, demonstrating their profound trust and readiness to face suffering for their faith (05:51).
- The Cup: Represents the impending suffering and martyrdom Jesus will endure, which James and John embrace despite not fully understanding its implications.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Ben Akers [10:14]: "These two apostles, James and John say, yes, we are able. And Jesus says, you will drink the cup that I will drink."
Death and Martyrdom
The conversation delves into the circumstances surrounding St. James's martyrdom, emphasizing divine providence and his legacy.
Key Points:
- Martyrdom in Acts 12: James is beheaded by Herod Agrippa I, making him the first apostle to martyrly die (12:34).
- Divine Providence: Dr. Akers highlights how James’s death was part of God's plan, contrasting it with Peter's miraculous escape from prison.
- Legacy: James's martyrdom solidified his role as a pivotal figure in the early Church and inspired future generations.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Ben Akers [14:19]: "This is what God wanted of James and asked of him. This is the cup of which he asked him to drink."
The Pilgrimage and Legacy
Mary and Dr. Akers discuss St. James's enduring legacy, particularly the pilgrimage route known as the Camino de Santiago.
Key Points:
- Pilgrimage Route: The Camino de Santiago in Spain is traditionally associated with St. James, symbolizing the Christian life as a pilgrimage toward the cross (16:07).
- Symbolism: The journey reflects the spiritual struggles and devotion of Christians, mirroring St. James’s mission to evangelize to the ends of the earth.
- Relics and Veneration: St. James's relics are enshrined in Santiago de Compostela, making it a major pilgrimage destination.
Notable Quote:
Dr. Ben Akers [16:17]: "The Christian life is often called a pilgrimage... the Christian pilgrimage is a journey to the cross in imitation of Christ."
Personal Devotions and Traditions
The episode touches on personal devotions to St. James and the cultural significance of his legacy.
Key Points:
- Devotion: Both Mary and Dr. Akers share personal connections to St. James, highlighting his importance in personal and communal faith practices.
- Feast Days: St. James's feast day is celebrated on July 25th, while other related traditions, such as the apparition of Our Lady of Pilar, link to broader Catholic observances (18:10).
- Cultural Impact: The pilgrimage and veneration practices demonstrate St. James's lasting influence on Catholic culture and spirituality.
Notable Quote:
Mary McGhan [14:41]: "When you're looking at artwork that has saints involved, every saint has an image or a couple images... the sword for beheading and then the shell for."
Conclusion
Mary wraps up the episode by emphasizing the enduring relevance of St. James the Greater's life and legacy, encouraging listeners to undertake pilgrimages and deepen their faith.
Key Points:
- Journey Over Destination: The focus is on the spiritual journey akin to St. James’s mission, emphasizing personal growth and faith.
- Encouragement: Dr. Akers urges listeners to engage in pilgrimages, whether grand or modest, to reflect on their spiritual paths and commitment to Christ.
Notable Quote:
Mary McGhan [23:01]: "Thank you so much, Dr. Akers, for this episode on St. James. Like Dr. Akers said, St. James the Greater's feast day is July 25th. So thank you for watching and St. James the Greater, pray for us."
Key Takeaways
- St. James the Greater was a fervent apostle in Jesus's inner circle, witnessing significant events and embodying zeal in his mission.
- Martyrdom: His willingness to embrace suffering underscored his deep faith and commitment to spreading the Gospel.
- Legacy: The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage continues to honor his legacy, symbolizing the spiritual journey of Christians worldwide.
- Inspiration for Today: St. James's life serves as a model of dedication, faith, and the pursuit of God's calling, inspiring believers to follow their vocations with unwavering trust.
End of Summary