Feast of Saints Simon and Jude
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:19-22
Luke 6:12-16
Reflection:
Today the church commemorates Saint Simon and Saint Jude. They were loyal followers of Jesus and spent their lives spreading the good news throughout the Middle East and were martyred together in Beirut, in the Roman province of Syria. Neither Simon nor Jude are mentioned very often in the Scriptures. We give thanks for them and their ministry as the priceless gift from God that both of them exemplified during their lifetime.
A question to ask ourselves this day as we reflect on how Saint Simon and Saint Jude lived out their call as followers of Christ might be;
HOW DO WE SHARE THE GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN US?!
In the first reading from Ephesians we hear a clarion call in answer to this question.
Brothers and sisters: you are no longer strangers and sojourners,
But you are 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.
We don’t have to look far today to see the suffering that is being experienced by God’s people at our borders, on our city streets, in our families, at the door of our soup kitchens and inside and outside the doors of our churches, service agencies and government structures.
Jesus called the apostles to preach the good news and to share their gifts with others. We, who have been blessed with so much have the responsibility to step up to the plate and do the same. During the months of October and November we take time to reflect on the lives of the saints, those holy women and men who have gone before us in faith. We may not be called to follow exactly the path that they trod but, we are called to lead lives of prayer and service in small ways that help others.
In the coming weeks, let us take time to prayerfully reflect on the issues that surround us and as faithful citizens exercise our right to vote so that our brothers and sisters may enjoy a better life. May we make it a priority to volunteer at the local soup kitchen, collect food and clothing for the needy, attend the city council hearing in favor of providing adequate housing and care for the homeless. Let us continue to be that voice for those who have no voice because of color, race, culture, religion. Saint Mother Teresa reminds us “it is not necessary to do big things, rather do small things with great love.”
May we welcome the stranger and the sojourners among us, acknowledge them as fellow citizens and members of the household of God and follow the example of all the saints, especially Saint Simon and Saint Jude so that others may recognize and follow our example of being good and faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.
