TUESDAY OF THE 30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Celebration: Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles.
Simon is usually called the "Cananean" and also "the Zealot", probably because he belonged to the Jewish party of "the Zealots of the Law". Jude, also called Thaddeus or "Courageous", is the author of a short epistle in the New Testament. They probably preached in Mesopotamia and Persia and were martyred. Their names appear in the Roman Canon.
Table of the Word
First Reading: Ephesians 2:19–22
Gospel: Luke 6:12–16
Theme: Chosen and Sent: The Power of Apostolic Faith.
Reflection
Today, the Church pauses in gratitude for Saints Simon and Jude, two of the Twelve Apostles, often silent in Scripture, yet radiant in faith and mission. Their feast invites us to remember that in God’s plan, every calling, no matter how hidden, bears eternal significance.
In the Gospel, Jesus spends the night in prayer before choosing the Twelve (cf. Luke 6:12–16). His communion with the Father precedes every mission. From this night of intimacy flows the dawn of apostleship. “He called His disciples, and from them He chose twelve, whom He also named apostles.” (v. 13).
This act reminds us that vocation is born in prayer and sustained by grace. Each apostle, unique in temperament and destiny, becomes a living stone in the Church’s foundation.
St. Simon, called the Zealot, represents passionate dedication, a fiery heart purified by divine purpose.
St. Jude, known as Thaddaeus, is venerated as the patron of hopeless cases, a sign that no situation is beyond the reach of apostolic hope.
Together, they embody zeal and perseverance, faith and fidelity - virtues much needed in today’s Church.
In the first reading, St. Paul proclaims: “You are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (Eph. 2:19)
Through Christ, believers are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. The apostles are not merely figures of history; they are the living foundation stones of faith, holding up the household of God across centuries.
Their witness teaches that the Church’s strength lies not in wealth or power, but in fidelity, communion, and sacrifice. The apostolic life is a continual surrender - a life laid down so that others may find Christ.
It is on account of this, that the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 857) declares: “The Church is apostolic because she is founded on the apostles, holds fast to their teaching, and continues to be taught, sanctified, and guided by their successors.”
This means that every baptized person participates in the apostolic mission: to proclaim the Gospel, defend the truth, and manifest the love of Christ. The apostolic spirit is not limited to bishops and clergy, it burns in every disciple who lives faith courageously.
And St. John Chrysostom writes: “The apostles were men like us; yet, because they gave themselves wholly to Christ, the Spirit made them pillars of the world.”
Even St. Jude’s brief letter in the New Testament resounds with exhortation: “Build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God.” (Jude 20–21)
This is the heart of apostolic spirituality, a life rooted in faith, inflamed by the Spirit, and radiant with love.
Dearst in the Lord, as we continue our earthly pilgrimage, let us renew our sense of mission. Each and everyone of us is called, like Simon and Jude, to bring Christ’s hope where despair reigns.
Finally, let us stay rooted in prayer. Every mission begins and matures in intimacy with God. Live apostolic faith. Witness with courage, love with endurance, and build up the Body of Christ wherever we are.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 28102025
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