There are two James in the list of twelve: 1) James the Minor, kinsman of the Lord, first bishop of Jerusalem, son of Alphaeus. 2) John's brother, son of Zebedee. It is the second James we celebrate today. Jesus nicknamed these two brothers Boanerges (the sons of Thunder) - a clear reference to their apostolic zeal. Among the twelve, James occupied a place of priority, which he shared with Peter and John. These three were present at the most solemn moments of Jesus' self-Revelation: Transfiguration, Raising of Jairus' daughter and Agony in the Garden. In the early Church they are called "Pillars". (Gal. 2:9). Yet this distinction is not worldly honor, but the very opposite, as clearly shown in today's Gospel. The two brothers come to Jesus with an immature idea of the Kingdom. Using their mother's mediation is also a typical worldly behavior. Jesus puts them to the test, and, surprisingly, the result is positive: they are ready to drink Jesus' cup (his Passion). And, in fact, they did: According to Tradition, John suffered a Passion, but survived it. James is the only one of the twelve whose martyrdom is recorded in the Bible (see Acts 12:1-3)