Saint Jude
Jude, also called Thaddeus (to differentiate him from Judas Iscariot in particular), was one of the twelve apostles of Christ and the brother of James the Less. He is a very little known character in the Bible. He appears only once in the Gospel of Saint John. His name also appears in the list of the apostles of the synoptic gospels (these are the gospels of Saint Matthew, Saint Luke and Saint Mark) and in the Act of the apostles. History was late to retain his name because of his great discretion. He is described as a mysterious character, not drawing attention to himself. He was entirely devoted to the Savior. His piety and dedication deserve to be highlighted. Saint Jude can teach us to be humble before God. (Discover the other companions of Jesus in the Guide to Saints)
Legend around Saint Jude
In the Gospels, we often find the expression “brothers of Jesus” to designate Saint James the Less and Saint Jude. Yet it is never clearly said that Saint Mary and Saint Joseph gave brothers to Jesus. It should be noted that in ancient Jewish culture, the term “cousin” can be understood as “close relative.” Saint Matthew and Saint Mark also related this bond of kinship between the Savior and Saint Jude:
“When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?”
(Matthew 13:53-53)
“Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.”
(Mark 6:1-3)
The two evangelists will maintain this mystery when they write that the mother of James and Jude is called Mary, and that at the time of Christ's crucifixion, she is at the foot of the Cross:
“When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”
(Matthew 27:54-56)
“And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.”
(Mark 15:39-40)
Although these two writings can be confusing, it must be remembered that the name “Mary” was very widespread at the time, and it is very likely that several women thus named gathered at the foot of Christ. In addition, we know that the father of Jacques and Jude was called Alphaeus. No confusion is therefore possible.
Jesus and Saint Jude both grew up in Nazareth and were born around the same time. It is therefore more likely to say that Jude was Jesus' cousin, through his mother. He followed Christ all his life, growing up by his side and then becoming his disciple.
Beautiful prayers to Saint Jude
Prayer to Saint Jude, patron of desperate causes
O glorious apostle Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors you and invokes you universally as patron of desperate cases. Pray for me, as I am so unhappy. I beseech you from the depths of my heart, use on my behalf the great privilege that you have to bring visible and rapid help to those who invoke you.
Come to my aid and relieve my misery. Get me the help and grace of God in all my difficulties.
Make me one of the chosen and obtain eternal salvation.
I promise you, O Saint Jude, I will always remember the great favor you will grant me. I will always honor you as my boss and protector. As a token of gratitude, I will do everything in my power to develop your devotion and make you known as the patron of desperate causes.
Amen.”
Daily Prayer to Saint Jude
“O good Saint Jude, our faithful intercessor with Jesus, collects the following special intentions, to present them to the Almighty Lord, source of all good. Above all, get us an increase in our faith in his love. May each day find us in more and more intimate union with our Father in heaven. Dear Saint Jude, you who revive hope in our hearts, you whose merits and exemplary life now attract us divine blessings and graces, be our advocate, and lead us to Jesus and Mary. With you, Blessed Apostle, we give thanks to God and praise him wholeheartedly for his countless benefits of which we are constantly the object. Amen.”
Pray to Saint Jude with Hozana!
Along with Saint Jude, pray to the other patron of desperate causes, Saint Rita!
