The Feast of Simon and Jude

Eph. 2:19-22, Lk. 6:12-16. On the various lists of the apostles, the tenth and eleventh places are occupied by Simon the Zealot, also called Simon the Canaanean and by Judas of James, also called Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus. “Judas” corresponds to the Hebrew name “Judah.” Simon and Jude went together as missionaries to Persia and were martyred there. That explains why they are usually put together. Simon is nowhere else mentioned except on these lists we have in today's Gospel. In popular usage, we often prayed to God through the intercession of St Jude, the patron of lost causes, the “saint of last resort,” the one whom we make recourse only when nothing else seems to help.

After the Last Supper it was Jude who asked Jesus why He chose to reveal Himself only to the disciples. He received the reply: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (Jn 14:22). The opening verse of today's Gospel gives us clue to how Jesus chooses, equips and qualifies those He called with His power and values for His work. As Paul puts it in today's first reading, we are no longer alien in the house of God. Hence, we have no excuse to exempt ourselves from the invitation of Jesus to bring the Gospel value to our immediate environment.

May the Lord, the creator of unfailing light, give that same light to those who call upon Him and may our lips praise Him; our lives proclaim His goodness; our work give Him honour and our voices celebrate Him forever! Amen!! Good morning and have a productive week!!!