RBWords

     As I write this, I am in New Orleans, LA, to preach a "novena in honor of St. Jude, patron saint of hopeless cases!"  A novena is a nine-day series of prayers that usually focus on a particular holy person as a patron before God.  I am the featured preacher at the daily masses.  Today is the feast of St. Jude, the apostle, which makes this novena, one of four throughout the year dedicated to him at this shrine, a bit more significant.  Given the location of this shrine (the International Shrine of St. Jude) on Rampart Street on the edge of the famous French Quarter, the variety of people who are attending is quite colorful.  The poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich and everything in between all seem to have something that is desperate in their lives and come looking for help from St. Jude!  The shrine does serve the poorest of the poor in its daily operation with an impressive shelter, food and clothing program.

     As I look out at the congregation three times a day, I am reminded of the long line of people in Flannery O'Connor's short story, REVELATION, streaming up to heaven with all kinds of people in it.  St. Paul's words in today's first scripture remind us that we are ALL "fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God..."  Everyone in the congregation needs help and they come in the hope of intercession by St. Jude.  It is a powerful testimony of faith that sometimes gets lost in the proper liturgical year, but when given the opportunity like a novena, it shines with a tremendous power.  I may never see these folks again, but I will remember their presence and longing.  I hope St. Jude will be able to help!   AMEN