The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude

The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Eph. 2:19-22, Lk. 6:12-16. Today we celebrate the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, two of the Apostles, who was also known as Simon the Canaanean and Judas son of James, also called Thaddaeus. Simon the Zealot belonged to the group of the Zealots, a very puritanical and extremist group opposed to the Roman rule in Judea at the time of Jesus, to achieve a physical liberation from the tyranny and oppression of the Romans against the Jews. However, he left all that, when he followed Jesus, to be one of His chief Apostles. After his call, instead of fighting for the liberation of the body and the Jews, he became the agent of salvation for all mankind, of body and soul from sin and death. While Judas Thaddeus is known as the patron saint of hopeless cases. However, while Judas Iscariot was unfaithful, Jude Thaddeus remained faithful to the Lord and continued to preach the Good News together with Simon the Zealot.

The opening verse of today's Gospel gives us a clue to how Jesus chooses, equips and qualifies those He called with His power and values for His work. Simon and Jude were chosen by Jesus to be His chief lieutenants and servants to help in the ministry and works of salvation. They affirmed the words of Paul in today's first reading, as the foundations of the Faith and the Church which we have today, together with the prophets of old. They travelled together, preaching and spreading the faith in the region of Judea, Syria and to Egypt and Libya. Through their hard-work and ministry, they planted the seeds of faith and the Church, which eventually grow and bring many souls to God. They went through many trials and difficulties, acceptance and rejection, by the people and the communities to whom they were sent to. Like Paul they never gave up in the face of difficulties. Through their good and hard-work, they gained many souls to the mercy of God and brought them towards salvation. They were martyred in the region of Syria during the persecution of the faithful and they were beheaded with an axe, a symbol that is often associated with them. Even in death, they continued to bring goodness and wonders to the faithful.

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 glorious day!!!

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