Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Following his prophetic action of washing feet, the Twelve barrage Jesus with many anxious concerns. Peter outright resists having his feet washed. Philip, unsatisfied, wants to see the Father. And Judas (not Iscariot) asks him, “how is it that you reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”
Who is this “Judas”? Judas or Jude is listed among the Twelve. In tradition, “Jude” in Luke & John is believed to be the “Thaddaeus” of Matthew and Mark. What Jude says today in our Gospel is the only time he is quoted anywhere, yet this quiet apostle is extremely popular as patron of lost causes. His cult in the US has its origins in two immigrant groups: Mexicans and Lebanese.
Of all the wonders attributed to Jude perhaps the greatest is that so many people are devoted to him. His cult did not become widespread until the 20th century. Perhaps Jude was neglected because of confusion with Judas Iscariot. His popularity is not only a recent phenomenon but, remarkably, has grown to be one of the strongest in the Church.
Many Americans are familiar with the saint because of St. Jude Children and Research Hospital in Memphis. Also, it was common, not that long ago, to see notices in newspapers of a “Thank you St. Jude” posting thanking the saint for his intercession. There was even a magazine, Voice of St. Jude, even though the apostle himself found his voice only once in the Gospels. (There is an early second century Letter of Jude in the New Testament, but very few believe it was by his hand.)
As one of the “Twelve,” Jude would have witnessed the ministry of Jesus first hand and afterwards was bathed with the paraclete/comforter/advocate at Pentecost. This Jesus promises in today’s Gospel.
Like Jude and companions, Jesus assures us that he will not leave us orphaned. The Paraclete remains to defend, strengthen, console, and provide counsel. Perhaps no saint exemplifies this more than today’s honoree, Catherine of Siena. By this spirit filled woman, the long and agonizing “Babylonian captivity” of the papacy was ended and, by her urging, the Holy Father returned to Rome.
“How is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” At Pentecost Jude got his answer. Just three weeks from Pentecost 2024, the same Paraclete who comforted, strengthened and assured Jude and heroines like Catherine of Siena, can do the same for us.
Veni Sancte Spiritus!
—Timothy J. Cronin