Readings: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 6:12-19
“So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:19-20)
As we celebrate the Feast of two out of the twelve great apostles, Simon and Jude, our readings challenge us to reflect on the concept of our election and choice before God.
- First and foremost, we must understand that nothing happens to us by chance. There is no such thing as mere luck or “random selection” We are products of a God who is purposeful, a God who prepares things beforehand, a God of whom Jeremiah spoke about as saying: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus did not do guesswork in his choice of the apostles. He didn’t select them according to their good looks or profession. He spent a whole night in prayer, consulting with God, who has plans, before making his choice.
- Like every good parent, God has plans for us, his children. In this light, St. Paul tells us in today’s first reading that we are not just strangers or foreigners to God; we are his children, citizens of God’s household. God wills the best for us, but there are times when our own will runs contrary to the will of God. Sometimes, we tell God: “I know what you want for me, but God, let my own will be done instead.” Every sin is a deliberate attempt on our part to reject the will of God for us. And you know what? God does not force his way on us.
- That is why we should not be surprised that having spent a whole night in prayer, Jesus, being God, in all his wisdom, still chose Judas Iscariot, who would betray him. Today, we remember Saints Simon and Jude because they cooperated with God. They were chosen but also worked hard to proclaim the Gospel to millions.
- Simon is eleventh in the list of the twelve Apostles. He is known as Simon the Zealot, but nothing else is known about him. His other name, “Simon Cananaeus”, adapts another Hebrew word for “zeal” and has nothing to do with the town of Cana.
Jude, also called Thaddaeus, is the apostle who, at the Last Supper, asked the Lord why he showed himself only to the disciples and not to the world. For many centuries, he was scarcely venerated because people confused him with Judas Iscariot. He is the patron Saint of lost and desperate causes.
After many years of evangelising after Jesus’ death and Resurrection, these men are said to have suffered martyrdom together after going as missionaries to Suanis, a city in Persia. Because of this, they are honoured on the same day. (October 28).
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to fulfil your plans for our lives. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles - Feast. Bible Study: Ephesians 2:19-22, Ps. 19:2-5, Luke 6:12-19).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu