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 Ricky Blue  Ricky Blue was born in Liverpool, England, but raised in Maine, New Jersey, and Toronto. He has an MA in English from Concordia University. He has been involved in bands and media music in Montreal for over twenty years. In 1981 he won an international 'Clio' award for excellence in advertising. He once appeared on television naked. His life had no real meaning, however, until he began to play with Bowser and Blue. Rick plays guitar, mandolin, and harmonica, and sings in a rather pleasant baritone when George will let him. His columns are archived here |
Posted 12.20.04 James of Nazareth, or Holidays are always hard for brother of Christ
As reported in National Geographic two years ago (I'm as up to date as the magazines in my barbershop), researchers uncovered the first archaeological evidence that refers to Jesus as an actual person and identifies James, the first leader of the Christian church, as his brother.
A 2000-year-old ossuary, a box that held bones, bears the inscription: "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus." Until now, all references to the three men have been found only in manuscripts.
So this Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, I would also like to tip my hat to his brother James.
Jesus: "All men are brothers."
James: "Thanks for making me feel so special."
Imagine growing up as Jesus' brother? The sibling rivalry must have been intense. How could he compete?
Joseph: "Jesus can heal the sick. You just get sick."
Mary: "Yes, that's a nice chair you made, dear. But how about changing some water into wine? Our dinner guests are due any minute."
James must have felt inadequate, caught in a Smothers Brothers routine of mom-always-liked-you-best.
It is always difficult being the under achieving sibling of someone famous. Both Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton had less than presidential brothers.
If there had been newspapers in Biblical days, the front page of The Nazareth Chronicle might have read: "BROTHER OF JESUS ARRESTED! James of Nazareth booked on charges of operating an ass while under the influence and relieving himself in public."
James: "But I can turn the wine into water - look!"
There must have been times when he was a little bit less than supportive.
James: "Oh yeah, that walking on water business? That's nothing. Jesus and I used to do that when we were fourteen. There's a sand bank under the south end of the Sea of Galilee. We did it to impress the girls."
But eventually, when they were finding their place in the world, he must have realized he was part of a good thing. Whenever Jesus made an appearance, it was big. Five thousand showed up to hear him speak beside the Sea of Galilee. And he fed everyone, too. James must have tried to make the family connection work for him.
When Jesus couldn't show up in person James probably stepped in: "Tonight. Come and listen to the wisdom and the teachings of Jesus ('s brother James)."
There would be no cover charge. No fish or loaves, either. And no wine. Only, perhaps, some olives because they grow on trees.
For a while James of Nazareth would have been everywhere like James Belushi; trying to establish himself in the shadow of his famous brother, the really talented Belushi - John. And when he was on the road it must have bugged him that, although so many believed Jesus, no one would believe him.
James: "Hi, I'm James, brother of Jesus."
Stranger: "Oh, right. I'm Melvin. I'm Jesus' brother too."
James: "No, I'm really Jesus' brother."
Stranger: "Sure. If you say so." Aside: "This schmuck really takes Jesus literally!"
But despite all the difficulties of growing up being the son who wasn't God, in the end James did very well. With his friend Peter he founded an organization that has lasted over 2000 years and was destined to become what is now the largest real-estate holding company in the world: the Roman Catholic Church. Now there's a success story to make a mother proud… |
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