October 28 2019 - Apostles Simon and Jude - Preaching against Pagan Idols

It is always good to reflect upon the importance and significance of the Apostles and their mission.  Simon and Jude were chosen by our Lord as apostles to establish the Church throughout the world.
In the Gospels, Simon is called the Zealot. He may have been part of the political group of Jesus’ time called the Zealots who were planning to overthrow the Roman occupying force. Or he may have simply been zealous for God. In any case, Simon put aside any plans he had for himself to follow the Lord and to proclaim the kingdom of God.

St. Matthew tells us that St. Jude was the Lord’s “brethren” so, likely a close cousin of the Lord’s. Some ancient sources even speculate that Jude was the groom at the Wedding at Cana, though there is no scriptural evidence to support this. Jude is quoted in the Gospels of John—he asks the Lord at the Last Supper, ‘Master, what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling in him’” The Apostles’ certainly became bearers of God after Pentecost, filled with the presence of God, as the spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
It is not clear why Simon and Jude are celebrated together in the same feast. They are also mentioned together in the Canon of the first Eucharistic prayer. Perhaps, it is because they were said to have traveled together, preaching the Gospel throughout Mesopotamia and Persia.

Legend has it that after winning thousands of converts, they were arrested in the Persian city of Suanir for refusing to offer pagan sacrifice in the temple of the sun and the moon. They explained that the sun and the moon were only creations of the one true God. They then cast out demons from the pagan idols  and two black, hideous evil spirits, began howling and blaspheming.  For exposing the idols as demons they were killed by an angry Persian mob.

Simon and Jude perhaps ought to be invoked in our own day when many are returning to a sort of earth worship at the expense of authentic Christian faith.

As the Lord called Simon and Jude from their various walks of life to follow him, may our own plans become secondary to the call of the Lord. May their example grant us courage, and their prayers assist us in our call to holiness for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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May Simon and Jude obtain courage for all bishops and priests to preach the fullness of the truth and teach authentic Christian doctrine.

May the holy apostles help all Christians to be strengthened in the faith, hope, and charity.

For the conversion of all who engage in false worship, for all unbelievers, and for Catholics who have fallen away from the faith, for those whose love of created things has eclipsed the love of the Creator.

That the sick, suffering, overburdened, and destitute, may know the help of the Lord who made heaven and earth.

For all who long to see the face of the Father, for all our departed loved ones and all of the souls in purgatory, and for N. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord