An Introduction to Saint Jude: His Virtues

[thesmellypocket 1859]

BROTHERS and SISTERS, it has come to my attention that the works and virtues of our Holy Father, Saint Jude, are yet to be properly understood. It is for this reason I have drawn up this biography, based on what sources I have, in the humble hope that his importance may be better understood, and so that the superabundant grace he allowed to be poured onto himself by God can be extended to the whole of mankind.

 

Your Humble Servant,

 

-Father Humbert, O.S.J.

 

 

Introduction

 

Little is known of Saint Jude’s early life. It is known that he had a great Faith from the youngest age, and, upon receiving the call of the cloth, did not hesitate. He was a Deacon for a long time, in the perilous time of the Schism Wars. This great era of Saints was also an highly troubled one, and a dangerous one for a priest, but Jude was not deterred, as we shall see.

 

It is very fitting than we know this Saint not for any deeds of youth, but the fruits of his wise old age: his most inspired theses, which God protected miraculously. Surely there can be no greater evidence of God’s favour for and inspiration of the words of Saint Jude than the miraculous survival of his manuscripts in the disasters and follies that surely should have caused them to perish by now? That is why we Judites so hang upon the words of our Holy Father: for, if they should be so good as God would protect them, we too must value and love them, and rank them second only to the Scrolls themselves.

 

Witness of Faith: A Martyrdom of Spirit

 

Jude suffered beatings for his Faith weekly, as soon as he had become a Deacon. Renouncing all worldly goods for a way of poverty, he was constantly vulnerable to any of the nefarious thieves, drunkards and heretics that prowled the streets at night in those days. Undeterred, despite being beaten nearly to death on many occasions, St. Jude may be called a true Witness of Faith, for no earthly power was strong enough for him to lay aside his works and duties, first as Deacon, and then as Priest.

 

This virtue, more than learned scholarship on his part, must be reckoned his greatest, and the cause of all his other excellences. For all proceeded from Faith: direct divine inspiration was the motivator of his life, and the good and honest people of all races and genders were beloved of him, for he was not a man willing to compromise of the truth, nor would he do evil to any other man even in his own defence.

 

Model of Charity: The Fire of Love

 

Jude was not among the hypocrites. He wrote of Charity, and practised it. He wrote of Faith, and suffered beatings for it. He wrote of Love, and was animated by love for his neighbour. He did whatsoever God willed, and preached the love of God, travelling to all cities in wretched poverty and hardship in order to do so: ‘...love God above all and you shall be rewarded in his kingdom and live in his love forever.’ (Thesis on Love.) His message was simple because it was the truth, and the deceivers hated him because he spoke the truth. But, requiting hate with kindness, Jude would rather suffer whatsoever God should put on his plate than do an evil deed, or say an evil word. Although it is worth noting that Jude fought as a Brother Monk in the Schism War, so he was hardly a pacifist: he fought in a war and supported just war. But in the streets, and in civil life, he showed a perfect kindness to them that persecuted him.

 

Summarising his legacy, he said he would end his works positively, not negatively. (Final Thesis.) His last testament, a touching and moving work, speaks only love, and reverberates down the years, indeed, for all eternity. There is no bitterness in it, merely contentment, love for God and love for man, and in that way, we should all strive to be sons of St. Jude. 

 

Mirror of Monastic Life

 

Jude extolled the importance of Confession: indeed, he heard the Confessions of kings, Pontiffs and princes, and the interior life, urging periods of quiet reflection in the worldly bustle. His final word to all men, friends and enemies, good and bad, rich and poor, of all nations and of all colours urged this:

 

‘ I now conclude this thesis with one request. Look inward at yourself sometime today and think upon your life and things that you might be able to cast aside such as greed, lust, jealousy, or any other sin in that case.’

 

St. Jude calls us to look inward. Outward acts of Charity and devotion are certainly admirable, but to look inward, humble ourselves and practice mortification is the greatest crown of glory. For verily, we speak with confidence when we say that, even when speaking of the great cathedrals and cities of the world, these are but a cloud of dust compared to the great and wonderful delight in heaven that is the repentance of but one sinner. For St. Jude himself was a sinner, as he acknowledged. What distinguishes him from those around him was his ability to look inward and purge himself, allowing the spirit of God to animate him in all things. This is what makes Jude our Glorious Patriarch: not any earthly deed, but the spirit he embodies. 

 

May the blessing of Almighty God rain down upon you, and remain with you, forever and ever.

 

Bye, and God love you!

 

-Father Humbert, O.S.J.

 

THE LITANY OF SAINT JUDE: 

 

Deus, Creator Terrae. [God, Creator of the Earth]

R: Miserere nobis! [Have mercy on us!]

Deus, qui iudicat mortes. [God, who judgeth the dead.]

R: Miserere nobis! [Have mercy on us!]

Deus, Rex Omnipotens. [God, Almighty King.]

R: Miserere nobis! [Have mercy on us!]

 

Pater splendidissimus. [Father most splendid.]

R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!]

Pater Humilis. [Father most humble.]

R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!]

Pater Sapientissimus. [Father most wise.]

R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!]

Qui tu audivisti confessio regis. [Thou who didst hear the confessions of kings.]

R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!]

Qui tu praedicavisiti in omni urbis. [Thou who didst preach in all cities.]

R: Ora pro nobis!

Qui toleravisiti planctus et odium. [Thou who didst suffer beatings and hatred.]

R: Ora pro nobis!

Qui vixisti viae pauperam. [Thou who didst live the life of poverty.]

R: Ora pro nobis!

Sancte Iuda… [Saint Jude…]

R: Ora pro nobis! [Pray for us!]

 

Deus, Rex Omnipotens.

R: Miserere nobis.

[IsaaKc 1240]

“I didn’ know I was a Saint.” Jude would joke.