On this feast we salute two of Christ’s Apostles, Ss. Simon and Jude,...
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of Ss. Simon and Jude (October 28, 2022): EPH 2:19-22; PS 19:2-3,4-5; LK 6:12-16
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
who followed Him even to the point of death in order to offer His message to all.
.
Ss. Simon and Jude are celebrated today as Apostles of our Lord. Yet what we know about them is minimal. Simon is described as a Zealot, which probably meant that he was part of a group utterly opposed to Roman rule. Jude is thought to have been related to Jesus. Interestingly, both of these saints share their names with other Apostles. Christ changed the name of Simon, the brother of Andrew, to Peter -- the Rock -- who would be first among the Apostles. Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jude was actually known as Judas. Most likely, he was later called Jude to differentiate him from the traitor Judas Iscariot. As Apostles, we know that they followed Christ, witnessed His healings and other miracles, and heard His words of mercy and redemption. While they failed to stand with Jesus during His Passion, after His Resurrection Christ appeared to His Apostles. And they were together at Pentecost for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Like the others, Ss. Simon and Jude traveled to share the Good News. It is believed that at some point each of them went to Persia -- and was martyred there. Today’s readings remind us of the importance of the Apostles to the missionary efforts of the Church: “You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the capstone” (Ephesus 2:19-20).
We also need to realize that all Christians everywhere, including lay people, have a responsibility to share our faith. Pope St. John Paul II said, “You are called to bear witness to the fact that, amid the thousand and one attractions and options offered by the modern world, you have been ‘captured’ by Christ, to the point of giving up all the rest, in order to become His companions and disciples; in order to embrace His mission and, finally His cross; and in order to know the power of the Resurrection.” Like Ss. Simon and Jude, let us follow our Lord -- and lead others to Him as well.
Suggested missionary action: Let us ask Ss. Simon and Jude to guide our own efforts to spread the Good News of salvation among all those we meet. Through loving, generous words and example, we can let others know how much Christ cares about them -- in time and in eternity.