Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles.
In the first reading St. Paul speaks of the unity in the Church. He refers to believers as “fellow citizens with the saints” and “members of the household of God.” He reminds us that as Christians, we are part of a larger spiritual family, a holy community built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. Just as St. Simon and St. Jude were foundational figures in the early Church, we too are called to be integral parts of the body of Christ, contributing to the growth and vitality of the Church.
In the Gospel reading, we have the selection of the twelve apostles by Jesus himself. In the solitude of prayer, Jesus chose those who would accompany him in his mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God. The selection by Jesus of the twelve apostles, despite the imperfections, highlights his transformative power and his ability to see beyond our limitations. It is a reminder that God often chooses the unexpected and the imperfect to carry out his divine plan.
As we celebrate the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude, let us reflect on our own roles within the Church. Are we actively contributing to the unity and growth of the Church, just as these apostles did? Are we open to God’s call, even if it comes unexpectedly or challenges our perceived limitations?
St. Simon and St. Jude, through their lives of faith and service, inspire us to embrace our own unique roles within the body of Christ and to trust in God’s transformative power to use us for his divine purposes. On this special feast day, let us seek the guidance and prayers of these apostles, as we continue our own journey of faith.
By Thomas Lima csc – Readings: Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-19 Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude, who were our Lord’s holy apostles. Both of them travelled together spreading the faith in the region of Judea and Syria. They preached the good news of Jesus Christ,…
Tarsish Marak csc - Readings: Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-19 Today, on the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, the readings highlight the theme of discipleship. In the gospel, Jesus selects and commissions the twelve apostles from among his followers, setting the stage for the spread of the gospel and the…
By Fr. Joy Prakash, OFM. Simon we know as a Zealot. For a long time, scholars thought that this referred to a violent group of people who opposed the Roman occupation through attacks and murder. But now scholars say that this group was active later than the time of Jesus.…
By Thomas Lima csc – Readings: Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-19 Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude, who were our Lord’s holy apostles. Both of them travelled together spreading the faith in the region of Judea and Syria. They preached the good news of Jesus Christ,…
Tarsish Marak csc - Readings: Eph 2:19-22; Lk 6:12-19 Today, on the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, the readings highlight the theme of discipleship. In the gospel, Jesus selects and commissions the twelve apostles from among his followers, setting the stage for the spread of the gospel and the…
By Fr. Joy Prakash, OFM. Simon we know as a Zealot. For a long time, scholars thought that this referred to a violent group of people who opposed the Roman occupation through attacks and murder. But now scholars say that this group was active later than the time of Jesus.…
