October 23: a meditation

October 23 is the feast day for James, leader of the Jerusalem church and brother to Christ. At the Tapestry blog, Brittany Burnette reflects on his martyrdom, and the Passion of his brother and Lord:

“I remember well his words: ‘Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete – lacking in nothing’ (James 1:2-4). According to the Jewish historian Josephus, St. James met his death by stoning on account of the gospel. He faced his trial, and he endured to the end. Was that an event that changed human history? Most certainly …”