Friday 28 October

Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps.19A, Luke 6:12-16

Jude, saint of hope

He was one of the twelve apostles, and is now a popular saint. Sometimes called Thaddeus in the gospels, he was brother to St James-the-less. Both are referred to in scripture as Jesus’ ‘brethren.’ Oral tradition suggests they were two of the sons of widower Joseph, and were Mary’s step-children. In the early church, St Jude showed great courage, going with St Simon to difficult places to spread the good news of Jesus’ teachings. He is popular today as the saint of impossible causes.