St. Jude at the Last Supper

From the Novena to St. Jude Thaddeus

Sacred Scripture: John 14:22-23

Meditation for Day 2

The Gospel of John records the only words of St. Jude preserved in Scripture. At the Last Supper he asked the Lord: 'Master, why is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?' Jesus replied: 'Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.'

Today's prayer asks the Apostle's intercession that the answer Christ gave him — that the indwelling of the Trinity comes through love — may take root in the soul of the one praying.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Daily Novena Prayer to St. Jude

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, who am so miserable. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded 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 elect 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.

This is the standard novena prayer used at the National Shrine of St. Jude (Claretian Missionaries, Chicago). It is recited each of the nine days. Pray Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be at the conclusion.