Judas son of James and Judas Iscariot

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirtieth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 6:12-16*

*First Reading : Eph 2:19-22*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 19:2-3, 4-5*

*Judas son of James and Judas Iscariot*

*1) The Name list*

The Gospel of the day has a name list, in which we see the 12 names of the Apostles of Jesus 

These names are very important as far as the mission of Jesus is concerned

Jesus called these 12 apostles after he spent time is prayer. So they were very important for Jesus 

*2) The Name Judas*

First of all we get a very negative impression about the name *Judas*

Since the betrayal of Jesus is associated with the Name *Judas*, this name has a very negative impression 

So usually people don't want to hear the name Judas, who is a traitor

*3) Judas, the Son of James*

In the Apostles list, find this name with different indication 

We usually read *Judas* who became traitor

But here we have same name with different relationship 

The Gospel tells us *Judas the Son of James*

So this Judas was diifernt than the Judas who become the traitor

*4) St Jude, and Not St Judas*

Judas is the another name we find in today's Gospel, other than Judas Iscariot

In no way this name is identified with evil things. But still in popular usage, we don't have St Judas but We have St Jude 

St Jude is One of the faithful apostles of Jesus, whose feast we celebrate today

*5) St Jude, Patron Saint of Lost causes*

St Jude is invoked in prayer when everything fails 

In other words, He is invoked as a last resort, when everything fails 

Thus through his powerful intercession, we are able to enjoy the favour from the Lord, when everything fails 

*6) Works can change our image*

St Jude had the Name Judas. But through his faithfulness and commitment, Judas gradually became, St Jude 

That's why our commitment and faithfulness to the Lord is more important than Name 

Our good works can change our destiny

Am I ready for Good Works??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*