Sts. Simon and Jude
Readings:
Ephesians 2:19-22
Luke 6:12-19
Reflection:
Simon and Jude were chosen by Jesus to teach others about God’s love and he made disciples of all the nations. The simplicity of their lives help us to understand that we are all called to be disciples when we decide to follow Jesus.
Both apostles were called by other names during their lives. Simon was often referred to as the Zealot. He was a person strong in his belief that all should observe to Jewish law. Once he met Jesus, his life changed as he saw that the fulfilment of the law was found in Jesus’ teaching on God’s love being found in for all people and creation. The other reason that Simon was called the Zealot was to distinguish him from Simon Peter also an apostle.
Jude was known as Thaddeus. He was given this name so he would not be confused with Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus. Jude is the patron of hopeless cases and desperate situations. In times when there is no one to turn to Jude is the saint of choice taking prayers of intercession to the compassionate heart of Jesus.
Simon and Jude, we believe, travelled together to teach others about Jesus. They witnessed Jesus healing the sick, stilling the storm blessing the children, placing his hands on the lepers and bringing them back into the community. They shared the sorrow of Judas’ betrayal, witnessed Jesus’ death and proclaimed his resurrection. Simon and Jude, tradition says, died on the same day in Beirut in Lebanon. Our prayer this day could be a simple one of intercession made through the apostles Jude and Simon for peace in the land in which they died and in our world which seems at times to be the impossible prayer.
Fr Peter Addicoat CP is a member of the St Joseph’s Community Hobart, Tasmania.