Saint of the Day
Sts. Simon and Jude
Simon the Zealot and Jude Thaddaeus were both among the twelve apostles of Jesus. Simon is distinguished by his epithet "the Zealot," suggesting a background in Jewish nationalist politics before following Christ. Jude (not Iscariot) is the patron saint of desperate causes and is credited with the Epistle of Jude. Both are believed to have preached the Gospel together in Persia and to have died as martyrs.
Scripture Reading
Luke 6:15-16
Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Reflection
The feast of Sts. Simon and Jude reminds us that the company of the apostles was gloriously diverse — a former tax collector beside a zealot, a fisherman beside a physician. God builds his kingdom not from a homogeneous team but from a gathering of mismatched particulars held together by common allegiance to Christ. The Church is not uniform; it is united. Celebrate today the strange, varied company you walk with.
Prayer for Today
Lord, the time You have given me my family was the happiest moment of my life. Each of us has a dream we want to fulfill, Lord; as we separate every day to reach that goal, allow us to stay connected to one another. Help us cast the burdens that slowed us from reaching our goals. They are the best gift I received from You, God. We allow You to be the center of this family, Amen.
Amen.