October 28
Saint Jude Thaddaeus
Apostle, Martyr
(1st Century – Around 65)
“Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” (John 14:22)
Saint Jude Thaddaeus, asking Jesus at the Last Supper
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Jude was born in the first century in Galilee, Israel. His father was Cleophas, who died a martyr and his mother, Mary, stood at the foot of the cross. Jude’s brother was Saint James the Less. He is also said to be a cousin of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Apostle of Jesus
Jude is mentioned seldom in the four Gospels. He was the apostle who asked the Lord at the Last Supper “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” (John 14:22) Jesus responded “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love and we will come to him and make our dwelling in him.’ (John 14:23).
Preacher Spreading the Gospel
After Christ’s ascension, Jude traveled throughout the Middle-East showing his love of Christ through his preaching. Tradition holds that he made it as far east as Persia and as far west as Libya. Jude was one of the early Christians who stood against the Simonian, Nicolaite, and Gnostic heresies. He was not just a follower of Christ. Jude was a great preacher who risked his life to spread the Gospel.
Healer and Author
Jude is remembered as a Healer and Exorcist, who could exorcise pagan idols, causing the demons to flee and the statues to crumble. Jude wrote a short epistle that exhorted the early Christians to remain faithful and persevere so as to be able to stand in the presence of God, “blameless with great joy.”
According to Eusebius, Jude returned to Jerusalem in the year 62 and assisted at the election of his brother, St. Simon, as Bishop of Jerusalem. Saint Simon joined Jude preaching in Persia. Jude was martyred around 65 AD in modern day Beirut, Lebanon with Saint Simon. Jude is often depicted showing a club or axe, symbolizing the way he died – beaten to death with a club. Jude was then beheaded post-mortem in 1st century Persia. His relics reside at Saint Peter’s in Rome, at Rheims, and at Toulouse, France. Jude is also sometimes pictured with a flame above his head. This refers to the Pentecost, where he and the other apostles received the Holy Spirit.
Often Confused with Judas Iscariot
Jude (or Judas) was often confused with his evil contemporary. Since Judas Iscariot was so despised and ignored, and since he shared a name with the good Jude, a tradition gathered over the centuries of petitioning today’s saint only when all other saints had failed to answer one’s prayers. Saint Jude became the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes, then, probably because of the faithful’s reluctance to seek the intercession of one whose misfortune it was to share a name with Christ’s betrayer. Out of confusion or an abundance of caution, Saint Jude thus became a saint of last resort. When the dam was barely holding, when a pulse could no longer be felt, when the rains wouldn’t come, a candle was lit to Saint Jude, hoping against hope, that he would respond.
Born: First century in Galilee, Israel
Died: Around 65 in Persia (modern day Beirut, Lebanon
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: October 28
Patron Saint: Desperate Situations; Lost Causes
Source:
Reflection
Saint Jude Thaddaeus is sometimes confused with Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus, because they share the same name in some languages. However, Saint Jude’s life and mission stand in stark contrast to Judas’. While Judas fell into despair and betrayal, Saint Jude is remembered for his faithfulness, especially in difficult and seemingly hopeless circumstances. This contrast highlights the transformative power of grace and the importance of staying true to Christ, even when the path is challenging. Saint Jude’s association with hopeless causes likely stems from his own perseverance in spreading the Gospel during a time when Christians faced severe persecution.
Does your life and actions reflect a deep trust in God’s providence? How can you show your commitment to Jesus mission of love to all you encounter today?
Prayers
Saint Jude Thaddaeus,
Beloved apostle of Christ, You who remained steadfast in your faith, even in the face of danger and persecution,
Pray for us that we may have the courage to persevere, trusting in God’s providence and love, even when all seems lost.
Help us to see beyond our difficulties, to recognize the presence of God in our lives, and to hold fast to the hope that comes from Him.
Patron of hopeless causes, through your prayers, may we be delivered from our struggles and drawn ever closer to the love of Christ and may we experience the peace and joy that come from trusting in God’s will.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Saint Links
Aleteia – My St. Jude miracle: My name is no longer “hopeless cause”
AnaStpaul – Feast of the Apostles – Sts Simon and Jude – 28 October
Catholic Culture – Sts. Simon and Jude
Catholic Exchange – The Powerful Faith and Intercession of St. Jude
Catholic Fire – Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles and Martyrs
Catholic Ireland – Oct 28 – Sts Simon and Jude (1st century) apostles
Catholic News Agency – St. Jude Thaddeus and St. Simon the Zealot, Apostles Feast Day: Oct 28
Loyola Press – Saints Simon and Jude Feast Day October 28
My Catholic Life – Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Newman Ministry – Saint Jude Thaddaeus
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – Ss Simon and Jude
Saint for a Minute – Saint Jude Thaddeus
Saint Mary’s Press – Sts. Simon and Jude (1st century)
Saint of the Day – October 28 Saint Jude Thaddaeus
uCatholic – Saint Jude Thaddaeus, Apostle
Video Link
St. Jude Thaddaeus – YouTube (Catholic Online)