While his martyrdom is certainly dramatic, what is most interesting to me about James is the controversy surrounding his relationship to Jesus.
Epiphany, Pregnancy, The Already, and the Not Yet
Sandwiched between its higher status siblings Christmas and Lent, Epiphany sometimes feels like the middle child of liturgical seasons.
Brotherly Love
Over the past few months, our three sons have engaged in sibling fighting so much more so than ever before.
Sharing Space with Jesus and Making Room for Skepticism
What in the world it must have been like to be the oldest brother of Jesus?! Really, what would it be like to share space with a sibling who is the Son of God?
The Evolving Life of James of Jerusalem
No, it isn’t just us in modern times—for siblings in the Bible, there’s usually drama.
Macrina and Big Siblings in Faith
“Will you not put an end,” she asked, “to your failure to recognise the good things which come from God?” —The Life of Macrina by […]
Leaping for Love
Our two older sons, ages 7 and 9, expressed some curiosity regarding Leap Year and this “extra day” it brings.
Andrew the Apostle: Patron Saint of Younger Siblings
I am the oldest of three children in my family. My two sisters are my best friends, though for many years before I came to see them that way they were also my worst enemies.
Celebrating James of Jerusalem and the Power of Names
There’s going to be a brother in our house. The two big sisters, upon learning we are expecting a boy, spent nearly five minutes in anguish before returning to delightful anticipation of Baby.
I love you. Thank you.
They sit in their carseats, next to one another holding hands. The palest caucasion skin of anyone in the family, enfolding the brown hand of his Hispanic little brother. “Are they both yours?” The woman meeting us for the first time asks. “Yes,” I reply, but she wants more. “How did you get that black haired one?” “Same way I got the blond haired one.”