Hamle 2 — July 09

Saint Thaddeus the Apostle

Today we remember Saint Thaddeus, one of the twelve apostles who were Jesus' closest helpers. Jesus chose him to travel far and tell people the good news about God.

One day, while Thaddeus was walking through the land of Syria, Jesus appeared to him looking like a kind young man. Jesus said gentle, loving words to him, then blessed him and went up into heaven. After that, Thaddeus felt brave and ready.

Near a city, Thaddeus met an old farmer plowing his field. The farmer was hungry too, so he went to fetch some bread, and Thaddeus kindly stayed to watch the oxen. While he waited, Thaddeus took the plow and made three rows in the dirt, and Saint Peter helped by planting seeds. Then Thaddeus prayed and blessed the seeds in Jesus' name. Right away, that very same day, the seeds grew into tall stalks full of golden wheat. When the farmer came back and saw the wheat, he could hardly believe his eyes, and he wanted to follow Thaddeus everywhere.

Some grumpy leaders in the city did not want Thaddeus to come in. But Thaddeus prayed, and the archangel Michael, God's helper, kept him safe and chased away the things that were troubling the people. God is always stronger than anything evil. Then Thaddeus walked into the city and taught everyone about Jesus, and many people believed and were baptized. He prayed for sick people and they got well. He was so kind to one woman that he gave her a special job helping in the church.

There was also a rich young man who loved his money too much. Thaddeus told him a famous lesson from Jesus, and to show God's power, he prayed, and a camel passed right through the eye of a tiny sewing needle! When the young man saw that, his heart changed. He gave his money to people who were poor, and he loved God instead.

Thaddeus kept teaching about Jesus until the end of his life. Some people were unkind to him, but he was never afraid, because he knew he was going home to God. He died in peace, and we still thank God for his brave and loving heart.

Peace be unto thee, O My beloved Thaddeus. Fear not, I will be with thee.— Jesus, to Thaddeus

There is no god except the Lord God of Thaddeus the Apostle!— the people of the city