Today’s feast gives us the beautiful opportunity to highlight two lesser-known yet deeply faithful apostles: Simon the Zealot and Jude Thaddeus.
Simon the Zealot is called the Zealot in the Gospels to distinguish him from Simon Peter—Simon whose name Jesus changed to Peter, the Rock. The title Zealot likely refers either to his fervent zeal for God’s law or to a possible connection with the Zealot movement, a Jewish nationalist group that resisted Roman occupation. In either case, it shows that before meeting Christ, Simon’s heart burned with intense passion—one that Christ redirected toward the kingdom of God.
How often we too can be passionate about many things! And the Lord, seeing that passion, because he loves us, redirects it toward what matters most: seeking first the kingdom of God, and trusting that everything else will follow. Simon’s transformation shows how Christ can take our own zeal—even when it’s misdirected—and sanctify it, turning it into apostolic fire.
Ancient traditions differ on his missionary journeys. Some say that he preached in Egypt, Persia, and Mesopotamia, often alongside Saint Jude. Most traditions agree, however, that he was martyred for the faith, possibly by being sawn in two—a symbol of his total fidelity to Christ.
Saint Jude, sometimes called Thaddaeus—meaning “courageous heart” or “generous spirit”—is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot. He is identified in Scripture as Judas, the son of James (Luke 6:16), and is often understood to be a cousin of Jesus. He is also the author of the Epistle of Jude, a short but fiery New Testament letter defending the faith against false teachers and calling Christians to perseverance. It is one of the most striking letters in all of Scripture.
During the Last Supper, Jude asked Jesus, “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” His question reveals a missionary heart—a desire that everyone might know Christ, his love, and his salvation. Because of his closeness to Christ and the powerful reputation of his intercession, Saint Jude is venerated as the patron saint of hopeless or difficult cases. His devotion has grown especially in times of trial, reminding us that nothing is hopeless when we stand firm in faith, united with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are already with him in heaven.
Tradition tells us that, like Simon, Jude also preached in Persia, where both apostles were martyred together. Their feast day reflects their shared missionary zeal and their companionship in suffering.
In today’s first reading, Saint Paul tells us, “You are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles.” Paul’s image of the Church as a spiritual temple built on the apostles finds a living example in Saints Simon and Jude.
The psalm declares, “Their message goes out through all the earth,” and this perfectly summarizes the missionary legacy of the apostles. Though their preaching was geographically limited during their lifetimes, their voices continue to echo through the centuries—resounding in the life of the Church and in the hearts of believers today.
It’s as though they have handed us the baton in a relay race. One runner passes it to the next, and together they strive for victory. So too, the great deposit of faith has been placed into our hands—the truth revealed by God through Scripture, creation, and our living relationship with him. We, in turn, must pass it on to others—to future generations.
This feast, then, is a moment of gratitude for what we have received, and a call to responsibility: to hand on the faith wisely and lovingly within our families, to raise our children in the Gospel, and to treasure the kingdom of God above all things.
Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us, that we may be missionaries of the heart of Christ—just as you both were.
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