Friday 28 October 2022
- Bible Book:
- John
'If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you.' (v. 18)
Background
We step away from Matthew’s Gospel just for today because it is the feast day of St Simon and St Jude. Simon is known in our Gospel lists as Simon the Zealot. This suggests that he was one of those who took a more militant approach towards ridding his nation Israel of Roman control. Jude (who may also be known as Judas, Thaddeus or Lebbaeus) has one speaking part in John 14, but otherwise doesn’t feature strongly in the gospels. Tradition suggests that Simon and Jude were together missionaries in Persia where they were martyred, but otherwise we know little of them. Nevertheless it is right that we remember them as they were part of the 12 who were closest to Jesus.
Today’s reading, from John chapter 15, spells out more clearly what it means to belong to Jesus, and may well reflect what Simon and Jude experienced. John 15 starts with words which we often treasure “I am the true vine.... Abide in me as I abide in you.” (vs 1-4)
However Jesus goes on to spell out the darker side of belonging to him. Where he had faced opposition, persecution, hatred and the cross his followers need not expect that their lives will be any easier. The early disciples, including perhaps Simon and Jude, experienced the truth of this. Many Christians throughout the world today also know the same truth.
Yet we are not left to our own devices. Today’s passage ends with the promise that the Holy Spirit comes alongside us and empowers us to bear faithful witness. (vs 26-27)
To Ponder:
- Throughout the world today many of our sisters and brothers in Christ are paying a high cost for their faith. Take time to discover something of their reality and pray for them.
Prayer
The Collect for the feast day of St Simon and St Jude: Almighty God, who built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ himself as the chief corner-stone: so join us together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.