Saints Simon and Jude, Pray for Us

Readings: 1^st: Eph 2:19-22; Ps 19; Gos: Lk 13:8-21

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, the Wednesday of the thirtieth week of ordinary time, the Church honors two great pillars of our faith, Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles.

Apart from being among the early disciples that Christ chose as apostles, much is unknown about their history. However, Jude is known for his epistle in the New Testament.

In today’s gospel, Luke presents us with a very brief narrative of Christ’s calling of the twelve apostles, among whom were, “Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James.”

Even though much is unknown about these two glorious apostles’ history, the fact is that first, as faithful servants, they responded fully to Christ’s call by abandoning everything to follow him.

Second, they paid the precious price by preaching the good news in words and deeds and even shed their blood for it.

Though short and a list of the twelve apostles’ names, today’s gospel has a vital lesson for us. This is specifically from Christ’s action before selecting his twelve apostles.

Luke writes, “Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When the day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them, he chose twelve….”

Christ knew he was about to take a serious decision that required divine guidance, so he took nothing for granted. He prayed about it and committed his project into God’s hand.

Hence, Christ teaches us the importance of seeking divine guidance and presenting our plans to God in prayer before embarking on any new project or mission.

So, we must pay heed to this wise saying: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).

If we do, though we encounter some obstacles on the way, the Lord will always come to our aid because our project or mission is his and received his blessing.

Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us

Peace be with you

Maranatha!