Feast of Saint Simon and Jude, Apostles, Martyrs

October 28, 2020

Deacon Anthony J. Cincotta

Memorial Feast: Saint Jude, Apostle (C+67) Patron Saint of Lost Causes

Saint Simon, Apostle (C+67) Patron Saint of Curriers and Tanners

Readings: Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

Today is the memorial feast that honors Saints Simon and Jude. They were called by Jesus to be His Apostles. In the United States, we are very familiar with Jude because of the Saint Jude Hospital for Children. Saint Jude is regarded as the patron saint of desperate and lost causes. This makes Jude a popular figure for the troubling times we experience in our lives, especially during COVID-19, and when we feel lost and alone.

Saints Simon (the Zealot) and Jude (Thaddeus) were directly called to be disciples as part of the twelve by Jesus. Saint Luke’s version of that calling was described in today’s Gospel narrative. Saints Simon and Jude responded generously to Jesus’ invitation to join Him in His holy ministry.

There are two words that strike me in today’s Scripture readings; they are “capstone” and “community.” The Letter to the Ephesians refers to Jesus as the capstone of the arch made up of the disciples of Jesus. Architecturally, (I looked this up) the capstone is the topmost piece of the arch; therefore, we look to Jesus as the source of our strength and oneness with Him.

Next, we take notice that Jesus is what keeps the “community” of disciples firmly together. Without Him, we (the arch) ultimately fall apart and crumble. Saint Paul tells the Ephesian Christians that they are members of the household of God firmly grounded on those called into disciple-service with Jesus.

We call ourselves the “Body of Christ”, and that means each of us has an open invitation to be with Jesus, as He calls us into His service. Each one of us is a disciple among the community of disciples. Our faith community is called to be the Church. We are called not just once in our lives at baptism, but Jesus calls us daily into our unique discipleship. Why? Because He really is the capstone of the arch we call the Catholic Church.

Question of the Day: Will you, like Saints Simon and Jude, accept the invitation into a life for faith-filled service of our brother, Jesus Christ?

Prayer: O God, Who, through Thy blessed Apostles Simon and Jude, has brought us to the knowledge of Thy name, grant that we may celebrate their everlasting glory by advancing in good works, through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude Apostles and Martyrs)