Feast of Saints Simon & Jude, Apostles
It may just seem like a list of names, a roll call! However, it was the first foundation of citizens and sojourners: Simon, who was called a Zealot, and Judas, the son of James.
How would you like to be remembered as an apostle of the Eucharist? A zealot? A relative of someone else, or with something a bit more substantial in “the listing and roll call” of Christian life for this generation?
Jude actually had multiple names and nicknames, from Thaddeus to Lebbeaus, for the church needed to distinguish him from the other “Jude.” Today’s saint was a famous writer, and translations of names in other languages demonstrate a way to vary.
Simon, too, was named a Canaanite, Bede (from the legends of going as far as Britain) to preach Christ. But in scripture we have that group name – the zealot – that might make folks question Jesus’ motives for bringing radicals into his fold. Some have argued it’s a mistranslation that it really should be an adjective — for he was zealous!
We give nicknames for people we have affection for, or are jealous of, to note a trait or some other affinity. What name, nickname, or adjective would really describe you in one word, one on this Christian list?
No matter what it is, our purpose is clear: as Psalm 19 says, the message needs to go out through all the earth. Keep to the message – and sometimes use your words too! Like these saints twinned together, live the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Let Us Pray:
Lord God, give me courage and strength to remain faithful to your word. May my voice resound with your glory and trust that you will guide me always in my actions and praise. Grant your peace and protection through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer of Blessing for the Blue Mass)
