The hymn suggestions below are either directly about St James, based on the themes from his/her life and ministry, or based on the readings assigned to the feast.
About St. James the Apostle (St James the Great)
From Galilee, James was the son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of John the Apostle. He was one of Jesus Twelve Apostles, and one of the first disciples - and was one of those that Jesus called Boanerges "son of thunder".James, his brother John and Peter were particularly close to Jesus: they saw the Transfiguration and witnessed certain miracles, eg raising of the daughter of Jairus. Later in his life, they accompanied Him to the Garden of Gethsemani.
After Jesus death, he continued the work of evangelisation. Tradition says that he preached in the area now known as Spain.
He was politically involved and was arrested and executed by King Herod Agrippa: this is the only death of an apostle which is recorded in the New Testament.
After James died, he was buried in Spain. In the 9th century, location of his tomb became known to the hermit Pelayo - legend says it was revealed by the stars and the sound of choirs of angels singing, and that this is how the location was named Compostela. James' relics became a pilgrimage site, which is now known as the The Camino de Compostela, and is still a pilgrimage destination for people from all over the world.
Today he is known as the patron saint of Spain, Portugal, and various other Spanish-speaking locations, and of veterinarians, and horse-riding.
Readings
First: II Corinthians 4:7-15 ... we hold this treasure in earthen vessels ... knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence ...Psalm 126: 1-6 - Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing / When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion / The Lord has done great things for them / Restore our fortunes, O Lord / Although they go forth weeping,
Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28 - the mother of James and John asks if they can sit at Jesus right and left in the Kingdom - Jesus explained "the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many"
Free-use hymns
Are Ye Able Said the MasterBy all your Saints Still Striving
With verse 2:Bringing in the Sheaves
We praise you for the witness
of James, the one who died
in telling of his Saviour,
Jesus the Crucified.
Lord, help us not to treasure
our worldly goods or fame,
but may we, trials enduring,
bring glory to your name.
For all thy Saints a Noble Throng
For thy Blest Saints
Let All on Earth Their Voices Raise
Lord, who Shall sit Beside Thee
The Eternal Gifts of Christ the King
Hymns which may still be copyright
Hymn to St James - Godfrey (actually an SATB anthem - details here)James and John Once Came to Jesus - Davidson
Let Catholics Rejoice! - translated from a hymn in the Codex Calixtinus, translator unknown
Saint James the Apostle - Voetberg
Sons of Thunder, James and John - Gilette (author's website)
The Summons - Bell
Are there other hymns for this feast-day? Leave a message in the Comment box at the bottom of the page.
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