Apostolic Mission of Simon and Jude – Oct 28 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Oct 28, 2024, on how Saints Simon and Jude exemplified apostolic zeal and big-hearted devotion in continuing Christ’s mission to the world.

Saints Simon the Zealot and Judas Thaddeus witnessed Jesus' life and teachings, fulfilling the criteria for apostleship as laid out by Saint Peter in the replacement of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:21-22 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/1?21-22). They embraced their mission after Pentecost, tasked with spreading the Gospel, administering sacraments, and leading the Church.

Saint Simon, called the “Zealot,” likely held a fervent passion for the Jewish law, reminiscent of Elijah’s devotion (1 Kings 19:10 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/19?10) and Saint Paul's zeal before his conversion (Philippians 3:6 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/3?6). The term “Canaanean” from the Gospels of Matthew and Mark translates from Aramaic as "zealous," aligning with Saint Luke's usage in his Gospel. Saint Jude, known as Thaddeus, was a man of “big-hearted” character. At the Last Supper, he asked Christ why He would reveal Himself only to the apostles and not the world, to which Jesus responded about the divine love shared with those who keep His word (John 14:22-23 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/14?22-23).

Saint Jude authored an epistle warning against false teachings and urging believers to uphold the faith given to the saints (Jude 1:3 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jude/1?3). Known as the patron of impossible causes, Saint Jude is associated with miracles of faith and devotion, as shown in the visions of Saint Bridget. Their relics are venerated in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

For Further Reading
CCC 857 - Apostolic Mission and Role - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm#857
CCC 867 - The Church as Holy and Apostolic - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm#867

00:00 - Intro
00:12 - Saints Simon and Jude's Calling
00:28 - Mission and Role of Apostles
01:07 - Qualifications for Apostleship
01:38 - Life and Legacy of St. Simon
02:58 - St. Simon's Zeal and Identity
03:27 - St. Jude: Names and Meaning
05:00 - St. Jude's Question to Jesus
06:09 - Patronage of Impossible Causes

Ave Maria!

Mass: Sts Simon and Jude - Feast - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=747
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102824.cfm
1st: eph 2:19-22
Resp: psa 19:2-5
Gsp: luk 6:12-16

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1185

Also on Facebook:
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/w7yY4R7_fbE