The Feast of Ss Simon and Jude | Monday 28 October 2024

Today is Monday the 28th of October, the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, in the 30th week of Ordinary Time.

The Choir of Royal Holloway sings, ‘One In Christ’ by George Arthur. Become aware of the ways in which you are “one in Christ” with other members of Christ’s Church today…

When we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home.
Dying and living you declared your love and opened the gate of glory.




Today’s reading is from St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:19-22

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.

Today, we hear St Paul addressing the Church in Ephesus. Imagine now that he is speaking to those you worship with, or you might like to picture the community of all those who are listening to Pray as You Go across the world, each becoming a part of God’s holy dwelling-place as they pray today.

‘You are no longer strangers and aliens.’ What does it mean to belong to God as a member of his household, a citizen with the saints? Take a moment to reflect on what belonging means to you.

The reading goes on to describe the structure of household: ‘Built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the corner stone’. Imagine this household, full of people from the times of the prophets… who comes to your mind as someone already there? Imagine that you greet them now.

‘The whole structure grows into a ‘holy temple for the Lord’. Take a moment to picture this holy place. What is it like to join in with the worship here? As you listen to the reading again, ask God to show you more of what this household is like.

Talk now with the Lord about this dwelling place, giving thanks for your place within this holy household with the apostles, prophets and saints.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.