aeternus

I’m afraid this post is a bit like Sr. Mary Martha (God Bless her wit!). Also, I am sure the reader will scratch their head in wonder to think I have my camera with me at all times and was so lucky to document this article with photographic evidence! You will see what I mean, read on dear reader…

As I was leaving chapel after Vespers this evening I walked past dear St. Jude Thaddaeus. Dear St. Jude, his little head of hair always ready to catch fire, and his heart ever compassionate to help with whatever hopeless cause is entrusted to him. Who can not admire this worker of miracles!

Now, as I had my head downward and not looking at Jude’s head of flame (the flame represents Jude’s presence at Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the other apostles) I spotted something yellow at the base of his statue. I continued to take a few steps more when my brain registered the identity of yellowish item lost among the crowd of prayerful handwritten petitions written with love and hope to this Saint. I halted my step and about faced in my tracks. Peering behind the assorted prayer cards was indeed the yellow item I had spotted — it was a pack of Juicy Fruit gum!

My little brain, mystified by this offering to the Patron of the “impossible cause” was anxious to discern the meaning and intention of such an oblation. I stood for a moment, joyous in the possible thoughts of how this alms came to be placed at the feet of the holy effigy. Was it a sacrifice of some sort from someone trying to kick the chewy “sugar habit” or perhaps someone who, like Jude had a flame by their head in the form of a less holy nature (I mean those darn cancer sticks) and wanted to exchange their bad habit of smoking to one much less offensive – that of chewing?  Maybe the poor soul wanted to leave their smokes behind but could not yet get up the courage so in haste left left the gum and exited to continue their novena! I don’t know. It is a customary way to honor and invoke the blessings of St. Jude by performing a prayerful and loving act of kindness for someone (especially a child) suffering from a debilitating disease.  If this be the case then perhaps a kind soul left the Juicy Fruit hidden at the feet of Jude for a young child to find. Would that not be a lovely gift for a child! I’m sure I would have loved to have found such a treasure!

Alas, I suppose I will have to leave this mystery to accompany the millions of those unsolved. It brings a smile to my face to think of this golden pack of chewing happiness laying hidden in the chapel all night as though it were an offering of frankincense. I pray tonight for those wishing and hoping to “kick the habit” (insert prayer for my mother here!)  and for all the souls who have entrusted their desperate cause to dear Saint Jude….

Prayer:

“Most holy apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly — (Here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.”