If it were not Sunday...
today would be the feast of St. James the Greater, Apostle and Martyr.

James and John
by Venerable John Henry Newman, C.O.

Two brothers freely cast their lot
With David's royal Son;
The cost of conquest counting not,
They deem the battle won.

Brothers in heart, they hope to gain
An undivided joy;
That man may one with man remain,
As boy was one with boy.

Christ heard; and will'd that James should fall,
First prey of Satan's rage;
John linger out his fellows all,
And die in bloodless age.

Now they join hands once more above,
Before the Conqueror's throne;
Thus God grants prayer, but in His love
Makes times and ways His own.

It would also be the feast of St. Christopher, Martyr,who is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and of Blessed Rudolph Acquaviva, S.J., Priest and Martyr.