Feast of Saints Simon and Jude
Scripture:
Reflection:
Brothers and sisters:
WE are no longer strangers and sojourners,
WE are fellow citizens with the holy ones
And members of the household of God!
Paul was writing this to the community of faith at Ephesus, yes, but he is also speaking to us, the faithful, today.
Our world continues to be topsy-turvy, the virus continues to prey upon the young and the old, rich and poor. Each day the news brings us word of uprisings, crime scenes, political unrest, suffering and chaos!
In the midst of all of this craziness, we are reminded that God counts us among his household, that we are part of the family that includes apostles, prophets, saints and sinners. This is GOOD NEWS People of God! For me, this offers hope and gives purpose to my everyday life! I think today there are so many people who are looking for hope, who are just hanging on by a thread, who spend more time worrying than rejoicing! God is telling us once again that we are important, we are loved, and we are not alone!
In our gospel reading today, Jesus chooses his twelve apostles, charging them with the task of spreading his message throughout the world. Wow! No small task! Think about that on those days when everything seems just too overwhelming and hopeless! We are also charged with spreading the good news of Jesus, but, thankfully, these twelve and others who followed them, paved the road ahead of us! We also pause to give thanks more specifically today for the lives and works of Saints Simon and Jude, apostles, preachers and missionaries who died for the faith. They spread the message to far away Persia and other parts of the world.
Paul goes on to remind us that WE are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. May we continue to enjoy life in the company of all God’s faithful and be open to the indwelling of the Spirit as she guides us along the path of righteousness and goodness. Amen.
Theresa Secord recently retired as a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.