Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles - Feast 


Ephesians 2:19-22

Psalm 18(19):2-5

Luke 6:12-19



SIMON FOR ZEAL! THADDEUS FOR HOPE!


Before choosing twelve faithful men who loved Him and would serve His purposes, Jesus prayed for wisdom from His Heavenly Father (John 14:21-14). When facing critical decisions, do you pray? Is there anything prayer cannot accomplish? Anyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be saved (Romans 10:13).



Calling on the Lord lifts our minds and hearts , creating a bond—a relationship like that of a Father with His child. It signifies companionship and sacrificial love. Today’s feast honors the Apostles Simon the Zealot and Judas, son of Alpheus. They were Christ’s companions from the beginning of Christianity. Simon’s zeal was refined; he traveled as far as Egypt and later joined Thaddeus in Mesopotamia. They eventually went to Persia and sacrificed their lives for the kingdom entrusted to us as a privilege. Simon was sworded into pieces while Jude Thaddeus was beaten to death with a club. St. Jude Thaddeus is known for his dialogue with Jesus, where he asked why Jesus revealed Himself to the apostles but not to the world. He authored an epistle encouraging Christians to follow Christ’s teachings as given by the apostles. Since he was related to Jesus and a brother of James the Less, tradition says he was entrusted with Jesus’ burial cloth, now in Turin. Interestingly, Our Lord revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden in a vision to seek Thaddeus’ intercession, as he is ready to help Christians in hopeless or helpless situations. We are called to pay attention to the lives of those God has sent—good people and angels in disguise.



Jesus also emphasized the importance of praying to our Heavenly Father for our needs. If Jesus prayed all night before a major decision, how much more should we “never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and seek His wisdom through His Word?


Before taking any step that defines your life or making a decisive choice, I urge you to pray to our loving Heavenly Father, who gave His Son to die for our sins and brings us righteousness both on earth and in eternal heaven. Amen.

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