Feast of Saints Simon and Jude

Ephesians 2:19-22, Psalm 19:5, & Luke 6:12-16

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of the Apostles, Simon and Jude. As we celebrate their lives, we remember the other Apostles and the more extensive gathering of disciples. They are the very foundation of our Church.

"The Twelve," as they are referred to in the New Testament, were chosen from among the disciples of Jesus; they were the ones who followed our Lord because they sensed in Him something extraordinary, awaited, and appealing.

The day's Gospel narrative from Saint Luke recounts the calling of these Twelve Apostles. Twelve is significant because it represents the twelve tribes of Israel, Jude and Simon, and the Apostles were called by Jesus to become the New Israel. They played a significant role in the early Church.

In many ways, I used to think that the disciples were so fortunate since they had such a close personal relationship with Jesus. They walked with Him and witnessed Him during his public ministry. They saw His impact on others through His preaching, miracles, and gentle, loving actions towards those in need.

The call of the Twelve by Jesus is beautiful because it went out to ordinary people. They did not have to be well prepared and eager to follow Him. They just had to recognize the call and follow Him. In other words, they were just like any one of us.

We, too, are called and chosen. Why does God choose us? Whatever God does is love because, as we know from Sacred Scripture, "God is love!" For our part, we only need to say "yes" to the call and follow Jesus. We respond in faith, hope, and love, just as Simon, Jude, and t

he other Apostles did.

Question of the Day: Can you place yourself alongside Jesus, as the Apostles did, and continue His work to spread the Good News?

Prayer: "We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you."

Prosit