Saturday October 28, 2017
Jesus prays all through the night in the hills and then calls his own by name to him. Simon and Jude are chosen among the twelve. We know that Simon was called a zealot-one who was passionate about the coming of the messiah and the kingdom of God in justice for the people. Whether he belonged to the Zealot party (that was sometimes violent in attacking the Romans, engaged in subversive activities) or not, he is remembered for his strength in wanting God's kingdom to come into the world. And then there is Jude, the son of James-really Judas, the same as the one who betrayed Jesus but this one remained faithful. Both died martyrs deaths after they came in the power of the Spirit to know the courage of the cross and allegiance to Jesus. Not much else is known about them except that they were from the beginning two of those who brought the good news to the poor. We too by our baptisms and confirmation have been called by name to walk with Jesus and to share the good news to the poor. Jesus has prayed for our faithfulness, our freedom and our obedience. Let us remember whose company we belong to and pray for one another.
Alternative
If we look at the list of the apostles, there is nothing extraordinary about most of them, either before or after their calling. Most of them came from poor or dubious backgrounds. Even after being called by Jesus to be his apostles, there are no reliable records to suggest that all of them became famous people in the world or within the Church during their lifetime. Yet, we consider them saints, and saints they are. It was not any great achievement that merited them sainthood; rather, their holiness was a gift from Christ, a gift to which they remained faithful and grateful.
Today we remember and honor two of them—Simon and Jude. Simon was once a zealot, the equivalent of a modern religious terrorist. Still Jesus called him. There is hardly any significant event that involves Judas in the gospels. Both of them preached the Gospel: in many lands and were martyred in Persia.
God calls and offers us his holiness with no regard for our merits. Blessed are those who accept God’s invitation.
