Collect taken from the feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles and Martyrs
Collect: 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…
“O God, who by the blessed Apostles have brought us to acknowledge your name”
— The knowledge of God, the gift of Faith, is something passed down to every generation through God’s apostles. We praise him for sending these who spread the Gospel and passed along their mission down unto the bishops of today.
“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”
— Now that they have ceased their labors on earth, we ask for the prayer of Saints Simon and Jude that what they began may flourish in the efforts of their successors. In particular, the Apostles were tasked with converting world to the Faith and so we seek their help in the particular effort of bringing new members into God’s Church.
Advice: Have you ever tried to bring another person to the Faith? Are you willing to explain the faith you have received, or do you always keep silent for fear of upsetting others? While we must respect the freedom of others, we should not let ourselves be ensnared by the lies of relativism and think that every religion is the same. Only the Catholic Church has the fullness of God’s revelation and She is the best equipped to lead others to heaven. Love of neighbor dictates that we should want and work toward bringing others into the Faith.
Think of a friend who might be the most open to the Faith or at least a discussion on the faith. Pray for the person and try setting up a time to talk about the Faith over lunch or a coffee.
In general, it is a good practice to pray for a few of your not-quite-Catholic friends by name. This habit will also help you to be quick to respond to any opportunity to draw them closer to God.
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| Saints Simon & Jude, pray for us! |