St. James is one of the best-known apostles. He was called by Jesus and was one of the three apostles chosen to be present at important moments like the Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus’s daughter.
Yet even with all of these gifts, the things we learn about St. James aren’t exactly flattering. He and his brother John angered the other apostles by trying to get the best places for themselves. They also wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan town. He fell asleep during the agony in the Garden and fled when Jesus was arrested.
After the Resurrection, we only hear two more things specifically about James. He was served breakfast on the beach by Jesus and he died a martyr as a witness to his love for Jesus.
Mother Teresa said, “God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful.” St. James received great gifts but then he failed many times. Yet he kept returning to Jesus so that Jesus could heal him and strengthen him. Therefore he was able to persevere in love until the end.