Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles Feast
Ephesians 2: 19-22 Luke 6: 12-19
Theme: You are a member
Today we celebrate the feast day of saints Simon and Jude, Apostles of Jesus. These were great men who gave everything after their call by Jesus. They selflessly made sacrifices to ensure that the gospel of Christ is taken to the ends of the earth, and willingly gave their lives because of their faith. They built the foundation on which we stand today as followers of Christ, and each time we celebrate these great Apostles of Christ, it is a reminder that we should also be faithful followers of Christ.
In the 1st reading of today from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we are reminded of who we are as followers of Christ, “Members of God’s household…”. By implication, we are all called to follow the path that the Apostles have laid down for us for our own good and for future generations. A way of life that will continue to enthrone Gods presence in the lives of all those who encounter us and our witnessing for Christ with our words and actions. This is another opportunity for you to do some reflection and tell yourself the truth about how well you practice your faith in God. It is a choice we made from the very beginning when we decided to be followers of Christ. There is no better choice than the one we have made already, but we must make it count at the end by living a life that is worthy of our call as Christians. This simply means that God called us, and we answered like the Apostles did.
The gospel of St. Luke presents to us how Jesus called his disciples after praying and chose the twelve Apostles. They had their human limitations and weaknesses, they were not perfect, but they gave their best, including their lives. Like we know already, only St. John was not martyred among the twelve Apostles. Suffice it to say that they willingly gave everything. That is why on a day like this, it is important to ask yourself, how much are you willing to give for your faith in God? It doesn’t have to be Martyrdom like the Apostles. But there are so many other ways you can witness for Christ that will be discomforting to you, are you willing to do it like Saints Simon and Jude did, because of your faith in God?
Lastly, always remember that without prayer, you cannot do much in your journey of faith. Make prayer a way of life like Jesus did and you will never regret it. We that through the intercession of saints Simon and Jude we will be always true ambassadors for Christ, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.