Today is the feast of the two apostles, Saints Simon, the Zealot, and Jude, the Son of James. Simon was a member of the party of Jews planning, and eventually executing, a guerrilla war against the Romans. The party was known as “the Zealot,” emerging as a distinctive group until some 36 years after Jesus was crucified. So, the question is, why was he called Simon, the Zealot? The correct answer is, having that nickname was connected to his personality. He was a zealous guy, especially in relation to doing his work pertaining to the faithful following of the will of Jesus Christ. He became a member of the newly organized party after the death of his master, Jesus. He was involved in the attempted revolt against the Romans resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem. As for Judas, son of James, he nearly gets lost in the tradition because Mark and Matthew call him Thaddeus. He has emerged in Christian tradition as the saint of the impossible. However, in Luke’s gospel, he is called Jude. I think he was so involved in a “mission impossible” type situation and became someone whom many devotees turned to for help and intercession.
The reading from the Ephesians reminds me that just like Simon and Jude, who were called to accomplish the task given by Jesus, we too must think of how we can realize our mission work, keeping that call from Jesus with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul says in his letter, “So then 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” (Eph. 2:19-20). Since we are no longer strangers, we are all in communion with fellow citizens, together with the Apostles, like Simon and Jude. We belong to a life-giving family, which St. Paul calls the “body of Christ.” Through Christ we grow together in the Spirit. This passage inspires me to continue to belong to a living, growing communion of saints, collaborating with the continued growth of this household. As His disciples, we stand up and move forward, confident in that support.
In today’s gospel, Jesus walks up the mountain to pray and is inspired to choose his disciples. I believe that Jesus took seriously the decision to select worthy collaborators, who had faith in Him to learn and teach others as well.
We are also called to be Christ’s disciples. Maybe we’ve entertained this question: Why twelve males when we know that several Galilean women were also key members of the earliest disciples in Luke 8:1-3; 24:10? The reasonable answer to this question is that Jesus’ choice of the number twelve, and specifically twelve men, was a prophetic symbolic act indicating that He was bringing about the expected messianic restoration of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Hence, like Jesus and His disciples, I need to go to a quiet place to allow myself to be in communion with the Spirit of Christ in prayer. I need to talk to God, not to make any reaction that would jeopardize the voice of God calling me to “faithfully follow Him.” You and I are also encouraged to be Jesus’ disciples to do the work of God for salvation. Let us pray for others, who are at this time in need of someone to accompany them in clearing up their minds of doubts.
Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us.
Fr. Arlon, osa
Great job. Thanks fr arlon
Fr. Tony, it is life-giving to share this “Dictate of the Heart” to you and to my avid readers.
We are simply God’s servant to proclaim His powerful and grace-filled Goodnews.