Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time. Year I (Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles). Eph.2:19-22; Luke 6:12-16
Today, the Church celebrates two men that aren’t very popular among the Apostles – Simon (who is called the zealot), the eleventh in the list of the twelve Apostles, and Jude Thaddaeus (who for many years was thought to be Judas Iscariot); Patron Saint of lost and desperate causes. The lives of these apostles clearly show that very ordinary people can be saints. An encounter with Jesus transformed the zealot entirely and made him more accommodating of his brothers.
Friends, we are all called from different backgrounds to become part of Christ’s footsoldiers; messengers who do not shy away from bringing the Gospel message to people everywhere. This is how we truly become members of God’s temple. This is how we become living stones. Simon and Jude traveled together, giving witness to Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. They converted many to the faith, and they died for the same faith on the same day in Persia, or Beirut, Lebanon, depending on the legend. St. Jude’s body was later returned to Rome where it was buried in a crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica. Let’s find some encouragement in their holy zeal.
God bless your week ahead. Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us.
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