ST.JUDE- PATRON SAINT OF KLWC

The Holy Bible says, “But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves upon your most sacred faith.  Pray in the power of Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in His mercy to give you eternal life.  (Jude 1:20-21)

St. Jude Thaddeus, son Cleophas and Mary Cleophas, who was a cousin of Virgin Mary. (John 19:25) and the cousin brother of Jesus Christ (Matt.13:55) 

He was rarely invoked in prayer, due to the similarity of His name with another Apostle Judas Iscariot who later betrayed Jesus. As a result, he was very eager to assist anyone who approached him even in the most dire circumstances.  The Name ‘Thaddeus’ in Greek translates to ‘the great-hearted one.” True to his name the world knows him as the ‘Saint of the Impossible.”

He is the author of the ‘Epistle of Jude’ in the New Testament, which warns against the doctrine that tries to pervert God’s grace. Though a relative, the opening of the Epistle, he mentions himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. 

It is believed that he was martyred clubbed into insensibility and his head was shattered with a broad axe. Another belief reads that he was crucified on a cross being pierced with arrows. Because of these beliefs, St. Jude’s pictures depict him with a club, arrow and axe.

Today more than ever before, the entire world is invoking and witnessing His intercession to Jesus on behalf of the lost and helpless causes, while St. Jude is eager to show his zeal for Christ by answering our requests.

Let us thank the Almighty God for providing us with powerful saints like, St, Jude Thaddeus, who helps us to enrich our faith in the time of need. Days after I was suggested for a spinal surgery, during a conversation with my sister citing my helplessness and concern as to what if the surgery would not be successful. She suggested me to invoke the help of St. Jude Thaddeus, adding that if my request was fulfilled, I was to publish it, so that others too would be benefited.

Soon I found myself, religiously citing his Novena and requesting him for the success of the surgery, at least for the sake of my children’s future. Where doctors and specialists had given up, the impossible request was answered. Thus began my journey with St. Jude Thaddeus.

Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “Lord, how can it be that You will reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?”

Jesus answered him, “Whoever loves me will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and My Father and I will come to him and live with him. Whoever does not love me does not obey My teaching. And the teaching you have heard is not mine, but comes from the Father, who sent Me.” (John 14:22-23)

A PRAYER TO ST.JUDE

Most Holy Apostle, St. Jude, friend of Jesus, I place myself in your care at this difficult time. Pray for me; help me know that I need not face my troubles alone. Please join me in my need asking God to send me consolation in my sorrow, courage in my fear and healing in the midst of my suffering. Ask our loving God to fill me with the grace to accept  whatever may lie ahead for me and my loved ones and to strengthen my faith in God’s healing power. Thank you St. Jude for the promise of hope you hold to all who believe, and inspire me to give the gift of hope to others as it has been given to me. Amen.