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Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in
prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles...
Luke 6:12
Simon and Jude were among those very select few who were chosen by
Jesus Himself to be His Apostles. Today’s Simon is not the same
person as Simon Peter, and today’s Jude is not the same person as
Judas Iscariot. Little is known about these two Apostles. Simon is
referred to as a zealot in the Gospels, which could have meant he
was a member of a more radical sect within Judaism. Jude is
popularly known as the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes. Some
suggest this is because he was often the last Apostle to be prayed
to by the early Christian faithful on account of the fact that he
shared a name with Judas Iscariot, and praying to Jude reminded
people of that betrayer. If that was the case, then in God’s
providence, since Jude became the last Apostle to be prayed to, he
also became the last hope for many and, thus, the patron saint for
those with truly hopeless causes.
One tradition states that Saints Simon and Jude are linked together
in the Roman Canon and also share the same feast day because they
were both martyred together on the same day, possibly in Syria,
Lebanon, or Persia. However, the true details of their missionary
journeys and martyrdom is unclear. The one thing that is certain
about these Apostles, however, is that they were Apostles. They
were chosen by our Lord and appointed by Him as two of the first
bishops of our Church and were given a mandate to share the Gospel
to the ends of the earth.
From our perspective today, being one of those chosen Twelve is an
incredible privilege. The effect of their ministry in establishing
the first Christian communities has resulted in our worldwide
universal Catholic Church. These men most likely did not realize
the impact that their faithful service would have upon the
world.
As we honor these two Apostles, we are also reminded that each one
of us is called to go forth to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of
the earth. We each do so in a way specific to the calling and
mission that Christ has entrusted to us. We are each called to make
an eternal difference in the lives of those whom we serve. And if
we are faithful to our mission, we can be certain that the effects
of our apostolic service will be felt in the lives of countless
others until the end of the world.
Reflect, today, upon Jesus choosing these two men and appointing
them as Apostles. As you do, listen to God’s voice as He also
speaks to you. Do not underestimate the importance of accepting the
mission that Jesus gives to you. Say “Yes” to Him in imitation of
these two Apostles and know that your choice to serve our Lord in
this way will not only have a great effect in your life, it will
also have an effect in the lives of many others for all
eternity.
My glorious Lord, You called these two ordinary men, Simon and
Jude, to be Your Apostles. You filled them with Your grace, taught
them with Your Word, and sent them forth to preach to the ends of
the earth. Please also send me, dear Lord, to whomever You choose.
Use me as Your instrument and help me to always remain faithful and
zealous, reaching out to those in need, especially to those who
lack faith and hope in their lives. Saints Simon and Jude, pray for
us. Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: Ugolino di Nerio, Public domain, via Wikimedia
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