From: "David Petersen (by way of Rev. Eric J. Stefanski, )" To: Subject: HP: Sts. Simon and Jude Date: Thursday, November 01, 2001 12:56 PM Hello fellow outdated Lutherans stuck in the 16th century! There is a tradition, of course, as exemplified in the permissive rubric of SB&H, to always observe Reformation on the last Sunday in October and All Saints on the first Sunday in November. By that scheme, this Sunday would be Reformation. Or it could be the 20th Sunday after Trinity, or, if you "do" the Michaelmas skip, it is something else. So much for the historic Lectionary bunch being united! Anyway, this particular year the day is in itself, even according to dusty old TLH, a Day of the Church: Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles. And that, I suspect, will be yet another observance in the LCMS this Sunday (not to count the myriad of "Friendship" "LWML" "Hog-Roast" "Stewardship" Sundays that fall more Sundays than not.) Back to the point: the 28th is Sts. Simon and Jude, and I see no reason to give Reformation precedence over it, especially if it is to be observed on its actual day later in the week. The Propers are: Introit and Gradual for Apostles' Days Collect: O Almighty God, who hast built Thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the head cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable unto Thee; through the same Thy Son, Jesus our LOrd, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy ghost, one God, world without end. OT: Jeremiah 26:16-19 - Jeremiah's defense Epistle: 1 Peter 1:3-9 - temporary suffering, purifying faith Gospel: John 15:17-25 - world hates us as it hated Him In the shadows, under the cloud of sin, the lines between right and wrong, good and evil, true and false, had grown conveniently hazy. The Light shown in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it. But it did hate it. He, that Light, loved that dark, cruel world perfectly, without cause or condition, seemingly, without reason or sense. He loved it, and gave His life for it. And yet, the world hated Him, seized, abused, and crucified Him for it. They hated Him because of that perfect love. It was too perfect, too extreme, too brilliant to behold, and therefore, too inconvenient and way too true. And so it is that the world hates those who carry that Light, that perfect Love, the fruit of that good Sacrifice, even He, Himself, inside themselves. For they carry it not just for themselves, but even for the life of the world He came to save. They are the sheep. The hateful world are the wolves. And into that evil pack those Light-bearers are sent, even as He who loves them was. The life of Jesus Christ, even His death and resurrection, is lived out in His disciples. The Mission continues. The Word spreads and martyrs are put to death. Thus Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles, sent by Jesus Christ to proclaim the Good News of God's Love to a killing world embroiled in self-absorption and in hate. But in that suffering, through that torture and sorrow, beyond that persecution, they found perfect joy and peace. What they preached was also for them. The mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ birthed them anew to a living hope through His resurrection and made them heirs by Grace to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. Though they knew difficulty and hatred on this earth, they knew even better that it would not last, that there was for them who trusted in Christ a salvation to be revealed in the last time. Tested by fire, their faith was refined, strengthened by power from on high, drawn closer to its source and fuel. In life, in death, He was their all. And so it is still today. The Mission continues. The Word spreads and martyrs are put to death, confessors mocked and ridiculed. The world drives on in its blind lust and hatred of the Truth, with its vain worship of itself and success. Some martyrs bleed on the inside. Their reputations are destroyed. Their names are slandered and betrayed. They die a thousand deaths as former friends, allies, and companions turn their backs in self-preservation, in unified hate with the world. What comfort is there for these modern martyrs, these quiet men of conviction and truth, even you? Just this: you belong to a long line of noble saints, God's own beloved and precious, whom He loved enough to chastize, whom He honored enough to make luminaries and guides in His Church. And this: it will not last, beyond the persecution and the suffering, after the shallow mocking, then shall the salvation and the honor and the glory be revealed. Your faith will be perfected, strengthened. It will go the distance. For you, by Grace, in Mercy, for Christ's sake, are God's own, His beloved. Being hated by men is better any day than being loved by the devil. Sts. Simon and Jude did not love their life unto death and now have their reward, for blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth. Soon the angels will sing this also of you. Happy preaching, Rev'd David H. Petersen Redeemer Lutheran Church Fort Wayne, Indiana + 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: + + + + + +