Devotions from October 25 to 31, 2021
Let us make the most of this last week of October as it leads us to November 1o November, the feast of All Saints, to reflect on the fact that our life – which often seems to us to consist of small things and days that are all the same, in reality conceals a breath of eternity, because eternal life «is living for the Lord» (Pope Francis).
This is taught to us by Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus, whom we remember during the week, but it is also taught to us by all the saints whom we are preparing to celebrate.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 25
Beginning of the triduum to Saint Jude Thaddeus
Today begins the triduum to Saint Jude Thaddeus, patron saint of impossible causes and desperate cases. Pray to him and trust in him: your prayer will be heard.
For further reflection:
• Prayers to Saint Jude Thaddeus the Apostle
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28
Saints Simon and Jude
Today we celebrate the feast of two apostles about whom we know little but who, like the others, took part in the splendid adventure of following the Master. An opportunity to return to the origins of our journey of faith… We know that Simon was born in Cana and was nicknamed “the Zealot,” that is, the zealous one. The evangelist Luke presents Jude as “Jude of James,” meaning the brother or son of James, the other apostle. Matthew and Mark instead call him “Thaddeus,” a nickname that means magnanimous in Aramaic. A zealous man and a generous man are part of the group of the Twelve because following the Lord requires great passion and a big heart. And the fact that we know nothing about them tells us something wonderful about the Church: roles, positions, and heroic deeds matter little. At the center of our attention there is always and only the Lord Jesus; he alone is whom the disciples bore witness to, setting their personal stories aside. On this day we ask Saint Simon and Saint Jude Thaddeus to help us continually rediscover and tirelessly live the beauty of the Christian faith, bearing strong yet serene witness to it.
For further reflection:
• On your word (September – October 2021)
• Prayers to Saint Jude Thaddeus the Apostle
As we arrange to meet in the comments on the post, I will leave you with some questions for personal reflection: Where is my heart anchored? Do I recognize daily life as eternal life already coming into view? What perspective does the perspective of eternity open up regarding family life and choices as a couple?
Have a good journey!
