Saint Simon and Saint Jude 28 October Apostles — Holy Day: Today we commemorate Saint Simon and Saint Jude, whose names appear in the New Testament on every list of the twelve apostles.
Simon was called “the Zealot,” which suggests that he once belonged to a Jewish resistance movement. Animated by religious fervour, the Zealots used any means, even terror, to overthrow Roman rule and revive Jewish independence. Simon originally may have followed Jesus in hopes that he would “restore the kingdom to Israel.”
Jude “the son of James” was also called Thaddeus. One of the Letters included in the New Testament is ascribed to him; and we hear his voice in Saint John’s account of the Last Supper, where he is distinguished as “the other Judas, not Iscariot.” Judas Iscariot was the disciple who betrayed Jesus, and the fact that Jude shared the traitor’s name made Christians reluctant to ask for his prayers. For this reason, Jude is considered the patron saint of what is shunned by the world, especially lost causes and those who suffer from incurable diseases.
The western Church remembers Simon and Jude togetherbecause, in the seventh or eighth century, the church of Rome acquired some relics of both apostles and placed them in a single shrine. October twenty-eighth is probably the anniversary of the dedication of this shrine.
With so little information to go on, our commemoration of Simon and Jude may be compared to their patronage of lost causes and hopeless cases. It is a little victory against the odds of history. For Christ is often made known by deeds which are recorded nowhere else but in the eternal remembrance of God; and by honouring Simon and Jude today we share in God’s own mindfulness of their apostolic zeal.
Collect:  Almighty God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude. As they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so may we with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (For All the Saints)

2018 ADVENT RESOURCE: “Living in the Edge” Living in the Edge is a series of daily reflections for individuals and weekly gatherings for small groups. Reflection and facilitation guides for small groups will be provided. The small groups are based upon gospel-based discipleship supported by the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples.  The Advent meditations are also web-based and offer nourishment for daily individual reflection at home. Through the scripture readings we can explore our edges and ask John the Baptist “What should we do?” and sing of transformation with Mary.

Adele Finney wrote this advent resource. She was born into a fifth-generation farming community. Important “edge” places of learning for her have been in the theatre as actor and playwright, in the intentional Christian Community Friends of Jesus in downtown Toronto, and in spiritual direction. To sign-up for the daily Advent reflection delivery to your inbox, please visit our diocesan website at
http://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/diocesan-resources/2018-advent-resource. A printable pdf booklet will be available for download on November 1st, 2018.
Last Week’s Celebration: I want to take a moment to extend my sincerest appreciation to all parishioners, families and friends who joined me in celebrating my ordination anniversary. Thank you for the part that you have played in making this such a special event. It was such a lovely worship service, and I am truly blessed to be surrounded by the people of St. Michael’s. I appreciate all the support and prayers you have offered to me.