The Epistle describes the history of the many evils that befell the ancient Jew after his rejection of the True God and his worship of the flesh. At the same time, it comforts us that there is a distinction between temptation and sin, and that temptation is only the test of character, for "God is my helper" (Introit), Who will "save the humble people" (Offertory) that "hopeth in Him" (Communion).
The Gospel depicts a pitiful picture of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. "If thou hadst known." It tells of the Jews defilement of God's house, of their future destruction as a chosen race. As for me, I must learn from the Epistle which was "written for our correction." If our prayers deserve to be heard, we must learn to "ask only for those things pleasing to God" (Prayer). We must be Christians of lively faith and learn to see "His Name in the whole earth" (Gradual); praying Him to defend us from enemies that would destroy His Name on earth or His image in our soul. Finally, if we learn to "eat" His Flesh worthily now (Communion), we shall one day learn that His Judgments are sweet (Offertory).
Today is Feast day of St. James the Great, Apostle, son of Zebedee, brother of St. John, one of the first Disciples called to follow Jesus. His name is inscribed in the Canon, and a bow made at its mention. St. James witnessed the Transfiguration with SS Peter and John as well as the agony in the garden. He was put to death by Herod Agrippa. The Saint is venerated as the Apostle of Spain.