Homily Feast of St. Simon and Jude (2020) “The Ability to Change is a Virtue”
Homily Feast of St. Simon and Jude (2020) “The Ability to Change is a Virtue”
Simon and Jude are two of the lesser known Apostles. Neither one of them ever speaks in the Gospel. The Gospel writers take great pains to distinguish these two apostles from other apostles with the same name.
Simon is often called “the lesser” to distinguish him from Simon Peter. He is also called “the zealot.” The zealots were revolutionaries who wanted to overthrow the Roman government. Simon might have been a man of violence. He must have had a change of heart to follow the Jesus who talked about loving your enemies. We must admire him for his ability to change. How few people seem to be able to do that in our society. Changing one’s mind with new information is considered a weakness rather that a virtue in our world.
Jude could be confused with the Apostle Judas. It is thought that he is a powerful intercessor since he wants to distinguish himself from the apostle that betrayed Jesus. He has become the patron saint of impossible causes.
St. Jude is noted for being the patron saint of the children’s hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Children go to this hospital who suffer from cancer. Danny Thomas (the entertainer) founded this hospital and was its adamant supporter. Many children have passed through its doors. Some have been cured, others have died with dignity. Fervent prayers are constantly offered to St. Jude for the children who are being cared for at the hospital.
Tradition has it that Simon and Jude were partners in mission, and it is said that they were martyred in Persia. Their great faith led to their courage and willingness to give up their lives for Christ.
Reflection Questions:
- Simon, tradition has it, changed from a man who believed in violent revolution to a man who was able to forgive his enemies. Have I ever known someone who had such a dramatic change of heart?
- I feel overwhelmed today by everything that is going on in the world? Have I asked for the intercession of the saints? Why or why not?
Dear Parishioners,
Yesterday I introduced a nine-day novena that was composed by the bishops of our country as we anticipate election day. Today is day three. We say one Our Father, one Hail Mary and a glory be. Then we say the following prayer for today:
(Wednesday)
“May all Americans recall the necessity of dialogue, civility, and humility this election season.”
It is true that no political candidate is perfect. May God help us to refrain from idolizing any particular leader-to discern support for elected officials and policies with a posture of faith that completely surrenders to the extravagant love of God. Let us ask God to deepen our listening and receptiveness towards those we may disagree with or even refer to a political enemies, and may we pray that our political leader also approach dialogue with the same respect and humility.
We should, with this intension, also recall that we can be wrong and that our perspectives are limited by our own experience, knowledge and worldview. Pray for openness to hearing about the experience of others, especially how policy decisions affect people with realities that may be very different from our own. It is good to remain open to criticism and changing understandings of what is right, as personal and societal paradigms evolve according to truth.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark