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Ascension Stained Glass Window Series: WINDOW 9 — St. Jude
This is the ninth in a 12-part series on our stained glass windows in Ascension Catholic Church.
St. Jude is the patron saint of hope and impossible causes, and one of Jesus’ original twelve Apostles and an actual relative of Jesus. He preached the Gospel with great passion, often in the most difficult circumstances. Catholics invoke St. Jude when in desperate situations because his New Testament letter stresses that the faithful should persevere in the environment of harsh, difficult circumstances. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he made profound differences in people’s lives as he offered them the Word of God. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us, “Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit... it keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment” (1817-1818).
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The boat at the bottom of the window symbolizes his travels throughout Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Libya, according to ancient writers.
St. Jude died a martyr’s death for his unwavering faith. Martyrs are often depicted with their instrument of death and St. Jude is depicted with a club as it was believed he was beaten to death. This window was chosen for the universality and popularity of St. Jude.
Questions for reflection:
When have I faced despair and hopelessness? To whom in my life can I offer hope and consolation? What areas of my life do I need to have patience with and hope for God’s grace?
Let us pray,“Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly – (pause for your request) —and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. Amen.”
