Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles

The Collect of the Day

O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm

119:89-96

The Readings

Deuteronomy 32:1-4      +      Ephesians 2:13-22      +      John 15:17-27

In today's collect, we pray that, following the example of the holy apostles, "we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." What might this look like in your life?

For Moses, it meant a desire to have his teaching "drop like the rain . . . condense like the dew; like gentle rain on grass, like showers on new growth"--a beautiful image of the life-giving power of the word of God proclaimed.

For the psalmist, that same teaching--the law, the word of the Lord--was eternal, faithful, all-encompassing. As such, it was a source of delight to be enjoyed, but also a treasure to be mined, that the servant of the Lord might better proclaim God's greatness.

For Paul, the "ardent devotion" of those who proclaim the gospel is but a mirror of the great work of God in Christ, who "came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and to those who were near." Disciples of Jesus follow their Lord's example, and the life of Jesus is one of proclamation, in word and action, of the reconciling love of God that breaks down hostile divisions and makes all things new.

To the apostles gathered with Jesus on the night he was betrayed, Jesus told them of the coming of the Holy Spirit, "the Advocate" who would testify to the truth, and he charged them also to testify because they had been with him "from the beginning." The apostles knew Jesus, and were to proclaim the gospel based on that intimate knowledge that comes from personal relationship.

Consider your own desires, gifts, knowledge, and experience. How might God be calling you to proclaim the love and mercy of Jesus Christ with ardent devotion?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for the love and mercy you bring into our lives. Help us to know how to manifest that love and mercy in our own lives, that your gospel may be proclaimed to all we meet.
Amen.