The beach is a popular draw for visitors to Florida and locals alike. I always find it easy to pray while walking on the sand and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You can’t help but notice all the shells, especially the scallop shells. The grooves on the scallop shell radiate outward to the edge.
The scallop shell represents St. James, the Apostle, serving as a lovely symbol of our faith journey. James was among the first disciples Jesus called at the Sea of Galilee. He was a fisherman alongside his brother John and remained devoted to Jesus throughout his faith journey.
Along with Peter and John, he had the exceptional experience of witnessing the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and he was there with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest.
After the Ascension, St. James journeyed across the Roman Empire to Spain, sharing the message of the Gospel. When Jesus asked James if he could drink the same cup He drank—symbolizing suffering—James replied that he could and indeed did.
St. James was the first apostle of Jesus to be martyred for his faith in 44 A.D., beheaded under Herod Agrippa. Notice that the grooves of the scallop shell extend outward, symbolizing how St. James spread the faith of Jesus to Spain.
Gospel Challenge: Where did he find the strength to give his life for Jesus? Remember that the grooves of the scallop shell lead back to the center. Just as St. James’s journey brings him home to his core, may our lives also guide us daily back to Jesus. Take a moment and set that as your intention today.
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July 25, 2025, Matthew 20:20-28
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072525.cfm
The Scallop.
The beach is a popular draw for visitors to Florida and locals alike. I always find it easy to pray while walking on the sand and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You can’t help but notice all the shells, especially the scallop shells. The grooves on the scallop shell radiate outward to the edge.
The scallop shell represents St. James, the Apostle, serving as a lovely symbol of our faith journey. James was among the first disciples Jesus called at the Sea of Galilee. He was a fisherman alongside his brother John and remained devoted to Jesus throughout his faith journey.
Along with Peter and John, he had the exceptional experience of witnessing the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and he was there with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest.
After the Ascension, St. James journeyed across the Roman Empire to Spain, sharing the message of the Gospel. When Jesus asked James if he could drink the same cup He drank—symbolizing suffering—James replied that he could and indeed did.
St. James was the first apostle of Jesus to be martyred for his faith in 44 A.D., beheaded under Herod Agrippa. Notice that the grooves of the scallop shell extend outward, symbolizing how St. James spread the faith of Jesus to Spain.
Gospel Challenge:
Where did he find the strength to give his life for Jesus? Remember that the grooves of the scallop shell lead back to the center. Just as St. James’s journey brings him home to his core, may our lives also guide us daily back to Jesus. Take a moment and set that as your intention today.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor@bscchurch.com
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