Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

Built on the Foundation of the Apostles

Today, as we celebrate the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, we are reminded of the richness of our apostolic heritage and the unshakable foundation upon which our faith is built. The readings for this feast, taken from Ephesians 2:19-22 and Luke 6:12-16, offer us a profound reflection on the Church’s identity and mission, rooted in the lives of the apostles.

In the Gospel of Luke, we hear how Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before choosing his twelve apostles. Among them were Simon, called the Zealot, and Jude, also known as Thaddeus. These men, though not as well-known as Peter or John, were chosen by Christ himself after deep communion with the Father. Their selection reminds us that God calls each of us uniquely, not based on fame or earthly recognition, but on the openness of our hearts and the readiness to follow Him.

Saint Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, tells us that we are no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God. He continues, saying that we are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. This is a powerful image: the Church is not a human institution but a divine edifice, constructed upon the faithful witness of the apostles, including Simon and Jude, who gave their lives to proclaim the Gospel.

Saint Jude is often invoked as the patron of hopeless causes, reminding us that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s grace. His letter in the New Testament exhorts believers to contend for the faith and to keep themselves in the love of God. He writes with urgency and compassion, encouraging the faithful to persevere in truth and charity. Saint Simon, though less is known about his life, bears the title ‘Zealot,’ indicating a passionate commitment to God’s law. Together, they represent both the fiery zeal and the steadfast hope that must characterize every disciple of Christ.

Saint John Chrysostom, a Doctor of the Church, once said, ‘The apostles were men of humble origin, but they were entrusted with the greatest mission. They were not chosen because of their eloquence or social standing, but because of their willingness to be transformed by grace.’ This transformation is what made them pillars of the Church. It is also what we are called to today.

As we reflect on their lives, let us ask ourselves: are we building our lives on the same foundation? Are we living as members of the household of God, united with the saints and apostles, with Christ as our cornerstone?Let us take inspiration from Simon and Jude, who answered Christ’s call with courage and fidelity. May their intercession help us to remain faithful to the mission entrusted to us, and may we, like them, become living stones in the temple of God, radiating His truth and love to the world.