Liturgy Lesson for SS. Simon & Jude, Apostles: Contending for the Faith

October 25, 2008

This Sunday we commemorate St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostlesand pray for the unity of the Church. Some ancient sources say that Simon and Jude were missionaries together to Persia and were martyred there, hence we remember them on the same day. The Lord set the tone for their service after the Last Supper, when he said to St. Jude, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:22f). Clearly St. Jude took these words to heart, writing later in his epistle, to “…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” We contend in the Prayer for the Whole State of Christ’s Church, when we ask that God grant “all those who do confess Thy holy Name, may agree in the truth of Thy holy Word and live in unity and godly love.” This doesn’t mean we never disagree, but simply keep the Lord’s Word and purpose for His Body central to our lives–unifying us in effort and focus. This unity is so important that a rubric following the Holy Communion service instructs the minister to restrict communicants with unresolved differences from communion. This is a conscious decision—contending for the Faith of our fathers by prayer—loving the Lord, keeping His Word—to His unity and purpose in His Church. May we, like SS. Simon and Jude, be sold out to God’s Kingdom!

Posted by Father Chip | Filed Under Liturgy Lessons