Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles and Martyrs




El GRECO
Apostle Saint Simon
1606 - Oil on canvas
Museo del Greco, Toledo

The name of St. Simon usually appears eleventh in the list of the apostles. The first cousin of Jesus, he was born at Cana and is surnamed "The Zealot." He preached in Egypt, Spain, and Lybia, leaving behind him the fertile hills of Galilee, where he had been engaged in the healthful cultivation of the vineyards and olive gardens. He later rejoined his brother, Saint Jude, in Persia, where they preached and died as martyrs together.



EL GRECO
Apostle Saint Thaddeus (Jude)
1606 - Oil on Canvas
Museo del Greco, Toledo

Sts. Simon and Jude left the comfort and safety of their secure environment to go out into the world and to preach the gospel, converting many hearts. As simple farmers, they appear to be the least likely candidates to be called to perform such a great task for the Lord. However, the Lord chooses the simple and and the weak and empowers them with grace to do the "impossible." Let us pray that we, too, will be obedient to the Lord in the little tasks He calls us to do each day so that we, too, can carry out His will in our lives and draw others to Him -- an accomplishment which would otherwise be impossible without our permission and acceptance of the gift His grace.

St. Jude is the patron saint of hospital workers, desperate situations, and impossible causes.


St. Simon is the patron saint of sawers and tanners.

Prayer
Father, You revealed yourself to us through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude. Help us follow their example, to draw others to You through our actions today, as we perform our daily duties and endeavor to carry out your holy will in our lives. Amen.

Novena to St. Jude

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