Feast of Ss. Simon and Jude, Apostles
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:19-22
Luke 6:12-16
Reflection:
In a recent RCIA session we asked the candidates and catechumen this question: “What are some of your peak moments in your faith journey that has led you to enter the RCIA process?” The stories that were shared centered around the act of being called, being invited to reflect in a deeper and more serious way what faith was all about. Each week we come together to share our faith stories, to sing and pray, to listen and learn, to be challenged and affirmed to spread the Good News of Jesus. We are given the command or directive to invite others to live as disciples of Jesus.
The first apostles came from different backgrounds and cultures than we do today, but, nonetheless they are true models of faith that we can relate to and also be challenged by. We hold many things in common with the first apostles, but most especially, that of being sinners and saints. We celebrate the life of Sts Simon and Jude today. Simon and Jude along with the rest of the apostles took their role of apostles very seriously. They were not perfect but they believed in the Good News and spread the message of Jesus Christ wherever they were sent.
The month of November in the Church year calls us to reflect on the holy people in our lives who have gone before us in faith. On All Saints Day and All Souls Day we celebrate the lives of family members and friends along with those who have been formally canonized as ‘Saints’ by the church. We give thanks for the grace and wisdom they have brought to our lives in the past and continue to do so today.
Take some time during the coming month to prayerfully reflect on those peak moments in your faith journey that continue to lead you to the Table of the Lord and give thanks for all those special helpers who have walked the journey with you past and present. We are all Saints called by God to lead lives of goodness and grace.
ALL YOU HOLY, MEN AND WOMEN, PRAY FOR US! HAPPY FEAST DAY TO ALL!
Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.