The reading today has the mother of James and John going to Jesus asking him to put her sons front and center. What good parents would not want the best for their children. How often do we see or hear stories about parents going to the coaches and asking them to put their child in the game? Or hinting to a choir director to give their child a solo. We even hear of parents calling up potential employers and telling them to hire their son or daughter. We are all like James' mother at one time or another. We all want what we think is best for a loved one, either secretly or publicly. I am guilty of one of these very things myself. My husband and I were out to dinner and the dessert my husband ordered was not available. The manager came over and apologized and said that their pastry chef had left, and they had not found a replacement yet. Well, I happen to have the perfect applicant for that job, my son. Next thing you know I am showing the manager pictures of my son's creations and he is giving me his phone number for my son to call and apply for the job. Yes, I was that mother and yes, he got the job. You know, come to think of it, didn’t the Blessed Mother have a chat with waiters about her son? 

In my case the job was a good fit, I knew what I was asking, and I knew he was qualified. James and John's mother did not understand who Jesus really was. When Jesus spoke of his Kingdom, she pictured him running a great empire and by todays standard she wanted her sons to be Vice Presidents. Of course, when the others heard of this, the bickering began. Jesus was having no part of it. He called the apostles together and reminded them of their job descriptions. 

Saint James took what Jesus said to heart. For two years James preached to Christians in Rome, Palestine, and Syria. When learning about the persecutions of the Christians in Rome he returned there and is believed to be the first of the twelve to be martyred. James truly practiced what he preached. He became a defender of the poor. He really was a splendid example of Catholic social justice teachings. An example that we should all follow. If you get the chance read James’ letter. It is only five chapters. You might recognize some expressions used today. One of my favorites is in chapter two. To paraphrase, what good is it if someone says he has faith but does not have works?