Novena For Terri-Fourth Day

St. Jude Novena

Fourth Day--

Strangely enough the Savior selected two
Apostles of the same name. One of them was
Jude, whose fuller name was Judas. The
other was the infamous man, the traitor, Judas
Iscariot.

The name Judas has become a synonym
for all that is ugly and traitorous in friendship
turned to hate, trust betrayed. A Judas is a
man who kisses his friends's cheek as a sign
to that man's lurking, murderous enemies.

So it was that Jude the saint was never given
his full name, Judas, for fear that the name be
a reminder of the traitor.

How different these two men in their ultimate
destiny. How alike in their possibilities. Both
obscure and unimportant, both are called to
greatness. Each lives for three years as the
intimate friend of the God-man. To each is
given the secrets of the heavenly kingdom and
the promise of leadership in the battle to win
the world for God. Each is called a friend.

One of these two turns traitor, sears the
cheek of His God with a treasonous kiss.

The other of the two, apparently of lesser
talent, never as Judas was--an official in the
apostolic group, uses his opportunities, holds
fast to the powers entrusted to him, loves his
Savior and does His work, and ends a glorious
martyr.

This is Saint Jude, to whom we pray:

O God, who through Thy blessed Apostle
Jude hast brought us into the knowledge of
Thy name, grant that by advancing in virtue
we may set forth his everlasting glory, and by
setting forth his glory we may advance in
virtue. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son,
who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity
of the Holy Ghost. God, world without end.

Amen.