Festival of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles
Posted on October 28, 2022 by under
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 (NKJV)
13:9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
Devotion
“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.”
It is often difficult to walk in the way of Christ in this life when we only see in part. We don’t see the whole picture on this side of the Resurrection. This is why the Church is established with the preaching of God’s Word and the giving of His Sacraments, to be received through faith. This is also why we remember the saints, like Simon and Jude. The Church is graciously blessed by the Holy Ghost with the Word and the Sacraments, as well as through the great cloud of witnesses to our Lord that have gone before us. His work is manifest in His saints throughout the ages.
Our Lord teaches that the world will hate us as it has hated Him first. Our faith must be strengthened in order to withstand such hatred from the world. Despite the fact that we don’t always see clearly, the Word and the Sacraments are always clear.
Let us then “put away childish things,” childish things such as doubt and worry. Instead, let us be strengthened by Christ through the means He gives in His Church.
Prayer: O Almighty and most Merciful God, of Thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech Thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready, both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that Thou wouldest have done; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Festival of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles
O Almighty God, Who has built Thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Head Cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable unto Thee; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
