I arrived in Spain’s Santiago de Compostela later than planned due to flight delays on Monday evening. Still, the late afternoon sun illuminated the day, so I toured a bit before collapsing with jet lag. Across from this ancient pilgrimage church was a more modern (17th century?) building with decorations depicting the Apostle, St. James. The following morning, my daily devotions included the cryptic mention of the death of James from Acts 12: “After that time Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword….” The legend of St. James then continues with two followers rescuing his body and sailing away from Israel to bury James covertly in the northwest corner of Spain. Then in the 8th century a pious monk follows the stars (compostela) to discover the hidden tomb of St. James (Santiago). Once honored, St James then returns to assist Spanish armies in defeating the Moors (North African Muslims). Do the pious pilgrims who have been following this ancient road to the church for penance, healing, reconciliation, or grace for loved ones know about St. James with raised sword fighting Moors? It gives one pause to think of one who dies by the sword (James) would return to live again for the sword. Didn't Jesus say in Matthew 26 (with James listening): “Whoever lives by the sword, dies by the sword?”