28 October 2008

Festival of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles

The Treasury of Daily Prayer notes: "According to early Christian tradition, Simon and Jude journeyed together as missionaries to Persia, where they were martyred." Noting how little we know of St. Simon personally, TDP observes: "Thus he is remembered and honored for the sake of his office, and thereby stand before us - in eternity, as in his life and ministry on earth - in the name and stead of Christ Jesus our Lord. We give thanks to God for calling and sending Simon, along with Jude and all the apostles, to preach and teach the Holy Gospel, to proclaim repentance and forgiveness, and to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

The collect BPB gives for this day: O almighty God, who hast built Thy church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the head Cornerstone: grant us to be joined in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be 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.

No comments: