Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 25 July ‘25
Saint James the Major, Apostle, Feast
2 Corinthians 4:7–15. Matthew 20:20–28
Treasure in Clay Pot
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint James the Greater, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. As the son of Zebedee and brother of John, James belonged to Jesus’ inner circle — along with Peter and John — present at the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and the agony in Gethsemane.
He is traditionally recognized as the first Apostle to be martyred, and his tomb in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, remains a great pilgrimage site even today — a road of reflection for those seeking purpose in life.
1. Ambition and Grace
In the Gospel reading today (Matthew 20:20–28), the mother of James and John comes to Jesus asking for a favour — that her sons may sit at His right and left in His Kingdom. Jesus responds with a question: “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
This is a challenge. Discipleship is not about honour, but about sacrifice. James accepts this challenge — and he lives it out even unto death. He drank the cup of suffering. He followed the way of the cross.
Sometimes, like James, we too go to Jesus with requests — for success, status, or security. But Jesus gently turns our hearts to what truly matters: Are you ready to follow Me? Are you ready to suffer and serve for the sake of love?
2. Clay Pots Carrying Treasure
In the first reading (2 Corinthians 4:7–15), St. Paul offers a powerful image: “We hold this treasure in clay jars, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
Clay pots are fragile. In Paul’s time, they were used for humble, even dirty purposes. They were easily broken and often thrown out. Yet Paul dares to say that we — weak and flawed as we are — are the clay jars in which God places His treasure.
What is that treasure? The treasure of the Gospel. The treasure of faith. The treasure of grace and love.
Paul says this to remind us: the value is not in the jar, but in what it carries. God chooses the weak, the simple, the broken — and fills them with His power.
3. The Story of Saint James
Saint James was once a simple fisherman. Like a clay pot, he seemed ordinary, rough around the edges. Yet Jesus chose him. And that choosing gave him purpose and dignity. He became an Apostle, a witness, and a martyr.
His tomb today at Compostela (meaning “field of stars”) draws pilgrims from across the world — from Rome, Lourdes, Fatima — who seek clarity, renewal, and direction in life.
James teaches us that: Our worth is not in our achievements, but in God’s calling. God takes the ordinary and fills it with extraordinary grace.
If we carry the treasure of Christ in our hearts, we become precious, not because of the jar, but because of the treasure inside.
4. What This Means for Us
Are we like clay pots — humble, simple, breakable — yet open to receiving God’s treasure? Do we remember that God chooses us despite our weakness, and uses us to carry His light? Like James, are we ready to drink the cup — to suffer, serve, and sacrifice in love? As Paul says, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor 4:16)
Let us guard the treasure God has placed in us — with gratitude, with humility, and with courage.
Conclusion
Saint James gave his life for Christ. He teaches us the dignity of humble discipleship. Let us ask him to pray for us — that we too may walk the path of the Gospel, carry the treasure of grace in our clay hearts, and glorify God through our weakness.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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