From: "Fr John W Fenton (by way of Rev. Eric J. Stefanski, )" To: Subject: HP: Sts Simon & Jude Date: Thursday, November 01, 2001 12:56 PM FROM THE BULLETIN OF ZION EVANGELICAL-LUTHERAN CHURCH OF DETROIT The Feast of St. Simon & St. Jude The Theme of Today’s Liturgy Almighty God has built His Church on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets (Collect). That foundation is the divine and saving truth of Our Lord Jesus which they taught (Preface). Yet Our Lord tells us that His truth results in both His own persecution, and in the suffering and death of His followers (Gospel). Yet in this we greatly rejoice since it both proves the genuineness of our faith, and results in praise, glory and honor to God (Epistle). And so, even though we suffer for Christ’s sake, we flourish like a palm tree—strong and sturdy in the courts of our God (Alleluia). The Sermon St. Simon the Zealot and St. Jude (cousin of Our Lord) preached in Persia and were martyred because of their faith and teaching. In this way, they truly followed Our Lord—in their manner of death as well as in their way of life. Yet Our Lord consoles them (and us) in today’s Gospel. While describing His impending suffering, He says that the world’s hatred is evidence of faithful adherence to His truth. So the faithful suffer nothing worse than their Lord, and in their suffering they truly participate in His. So when we suffer for Our Lord’s sake, we should rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5.41). The Holy Eucharist In the Blessed Sacrament, the bitter suffering and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ is converted into our life saving, life sustaining, life nourishing Food. In this way, His suffering truly does strengthen us to endure all hardship and adversity for His sake. The Readings Jeremiah 26.16-19; 1 Peter 1.3-9; St. John 15.17-25 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Rev. Fr. John W. Fenton, S.T.M. Zion Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Detroit 4305 N. Military Ave. Detroit, MI 48210-2451 Voice: 313.894.7450 Email: zion@flash.net ZIONNEWS-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Web: www.flash.net/~zion ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Historic Preaching + The Historic Preaching list is devoted to preaching on the Propers of the Historic Lectionary as found in The Lutheran Hymnal (TLH) and Service Book and Hymnal (SBH). Subscribe? Send ANY message to: Unsubscribe? Send ANY message to: Respond? Click 'Reply' or write to For further information about this list, contact the list administrator at: Rev. Fr. Eric J. Stefanski or visit our website: + + + + + +