This
icon of St. Jude was painted by Vladimir Ters for the Church of St. Jude,
Lakewood, Colorado. The colors are of ancient use: the orange is taken from
the earth and is very common in icon work; the green from the plants of the
earth and an obvious symbol of hope. The grass on which St. Jude walks is
clear because weeds do not grow where the saints walk; the brush strokes
behind represent flowers. St. Jude is leaning forward extending his hand, a
gesture that points toward our common vocation to follow the Lord; his
outstretched hand also represents the hope he offers for the discouraged and
downtrodden. His shoulders are stooped because he carries the needs of so
many. He carries a shepherd's staff (not the club usually seen) because the
artist wanted to emphasize his role as one of the twelve apostles. His eyes
are full of compassion and, like so many other icons, look beyond us, leading
us to the eternal union with the Trinity.