Feast of Saints Simon and Jude
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:19-22
Luke 6:12-16
Reflection:
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul describes us as “fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.” As fellow citizens, we join the apostles whose call we read about in the Gospel of Luke today. We also join with Saints Simon and Jude, whose feast day we celebrate today as well.
As members of God’s household, we are called through baptism, to take care of God’s people, our brothers and sisters. During this month of October (and all months), the church calls us to reflect in a special way on Life in all its forms. Oftentimes, when we hear the term, respect life, we immediately think of or are led to think only of the unborn and those millions of lives lost through abortion. Yes, abortion is wrong, but many times we get stuck there and forget there are many other life issues calling for our attention as well! The corporal and spiritual works of mercy remind us of the needs of the poor, the immigrant and refugee, the sick, disabled, homeless, lonely, disenfranchised and forgotten. Let us seek ways to help not only the unborn, but all of those created in the image and likeness of God.
During the past year, our parish of Saint Agnes, has come together to accept the challenge as fellow citizens of the household of God to share their time, talent and treasure with those who have so little. The Refugee Resettlement Ministers welcomed a family of 8 from the Congo recently. This family has lived in a refugee camp for many years. The Outreach Ministry is busy this Fall inviting those organizations to submit requests for aid. Monies to help these people will come from parish contributions set aside in a special fund for the needy. The school children held a walk-a-thon to raise monies for the St. Vincent de Paul organization.
With the example of Saints Simon and Jude and all those holy women and men past and present, may we celebrate and care for all members of God’s household!
Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.