“... and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor." (Luke 6:16)
Saint Ambrose of Milan offers the following insight on this verse from today’s Gospel:
“Judas too is chosen, not through inadvertence but through Providence. How great is the truth that not even a hostile minister weakens! How great is the integrity of the Lord, who preferred to endanger his judgment among us, rather than his compassion! For he had assumed the frailty of man, and therefore [he did not] refuse those aspects of human weakness. He was willing to be forsaken, he was willing to be betrayed, he was willing to be surrendered by his own apostles, so that you, when abandoned by an ally, betrayed by an ally, may bear it in good order.” (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, 5)
Today is the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles. Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI reflected on the life and ministry of these Apostles during a weekly audience held on 11 October 2006.
Saint Cyril of Alexandria, in his work Commentary on the Gospel of John, reflects on the nature of ‘being sent.’ This excerpt is also the Second Reading in today’s Office of Readings, Liturgy of the Hours.
Saint Cyril of Alexandria, in his work Commentary on the Gospel of John, reflects on the nature of ‘being sent.’ This excerpt is also the Second Reading in today’s Office of Readings, Liturgy of the Hours.
O God,
Who by the blessed Apostles
have brought us to acknowledge your name,
graciously grant, through the intercession of
Saints Simon and Jude,
that the Church may constantly grow
by increase of the peoples who believe in you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.
Glory to You Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning is now
and will be forever. Amen!
as it was in the beginning is now
and will be forever. Amen!
