O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices; that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path we may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
James of Jerusalem, Bishop and Martyr — James, called the Just and known in Scripture as the Lord's brother, became the first leader of the church at Jerusalem and one of the most respected men in the city, honoured by believers and by many who did not believe alike. Paul names him among the pillars of the church, and Acts shows him presiding at the Jerusalem Council. He was killed in Jerusalem around AD 62, stoned at the order of the high priest Ananus. His feast is October 23.