Homily: Feast of Saints Simon and Jude

Feast of Saints Simon and Jude (Luke 6:12-16) “Is It All Right to Be Anonymous?”

We celebrate the feasts of the apostles throughout the liturgical year. Some of the apostles are paired together. They do not have their own feast day. This is the case with Simon and Jude. Why are these two paired? Perhaps it is because they are often confused with other Apostles.

There are two Simons that are mentioned in the list of the twelve apostles. One is referred to has Simon Peter. He is appointed as leader of the fledgling church by Jesus. He is labeled “peter” or rock that designates his firm commitment to Christ. The Simon we commemorate today is often labeled, the Zealot. This would designate him as a revolutionary, someone who resisted the Roman occupation.

We all know who Judas was. He is the Apostle who took a bribe to betray Jesus so that he might be arrested. Jude is a shortened version of Judas. It is thought that Jude was very aware that he had the same name as the man who betrayed Jesus.

Both these men had their own accomplishments as Apostles. The details are very obscure, but legend has it that they went to Mesopotamia and Persia together where they preached the Gospel They like almost all the other apostles were martyred for the faith.

The list of the twelve apostles has different names on it in the various Gospels. This may be because sometimes the apostles are referred to by their Jewish name and other times by their Greek name. People often went by either. We could think of this as how people have nick names today. Sometimes we never know a person’s “real” name.

There have been many Apostles in church history, not just twelve. Like there have been many saints beyond those who carry the official title. Many holy people have followed Jesus. In fact, most Christians have been anonymous, but that does not make them any less important in the eyes of God.

Reflection Questions:

1.    How many people know about my charitable deeds? Does that make them less valuable?

2.    Do people know about how often I pray? Does that make my prayer life more valuable?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Alleman High School is a very important part of our community. One of the things that has been lacking at Alleman for the last few years is a school board. That will be remedied soon. A new board is being put in place. I have been appointed by Bishop Tylka as a member of that board. The board will consist of approximately twelve members. Ten of them will be lay people with various talents and expertise. We will announce the members of this board soon.

          Please pray that the new board will be able to help the educational mission of Alleman.  There is much work to be done if our local Catholic High School is to be the institution it has been for the last 70 years. We need the parochial school system in our community.

          May Our Lady pray for all of our young people who need guidance and nurturing.

          Fr. Mark