Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saints
Simon and Jude, App., (28th October, 2016) on the Gospel and the
Feast
Eph 2:19-22;
Ps 18:2-5. (R. v.5);
Lk 6:12-19.
According to legend, Sts. Simon and Jude preached the
Gospel in Mesopotamia and Persia. Simon was nicknamed the zealot because of his
zeal for the Jewish law which he practised before his call. He became the
Bishop of Jerusalem after preaching the Gospel in Samaria. He suffered
martyrdom, being sawn in half at Suanir, Persia.
Jude Thaddeus was son of Cleophas, the brother of St.
James the Lesser and relative of Jesus. Jude was the one who asked Jesus at the
Last Supper why He would not manifest Himself to the whole world after His
resurrection. He was known for healing and exorcising pagan idols. He was
beaten to death with a club, and then beheaded post-mortem (Culled from Fides Weekly Bulletin).
Topic: First step first.
Today’s gospel consists of two parts; the choosing of the
twelve apostles (Lk 6:12-16), and Jesus’
teaching and healing (Lk 6:17-19).
This homily focuses on the first part.
Jesus spent the night in prayer to God on the mountain. He afterwards
called His disciples at daybreak and chose twelve of them, and called them
apostles.
We know that Jesus is God. Hence, He told us, “I and the
Father are one” (Jn 10:30). Yet, He
spent the whole night in prayer to God in the first part of today’s gospel.
He also told us, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the
vinedresser” (Jn 15:1). We are His
branches. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, cf. Jn 15:5. The vinedresser makes the fruitful branches to bear even
more, cf. Jn 15:2.
Apostles Simon and Jude we celebrate today were appointed to
be with Jesus, and to be sent out to preach, cf. Mk 3:14. We are a chosen race, cf. 1Pt 2:9. But we must be connected to Jesus through prayer. At every
point, we must spend time with God in prayer because He is the owner of
everything. And whatever is contrary to His will be in vain, cf. Ps 127:1. We must remember always, “Unless
the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the LORD
watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Ps 127:1).
Bible Reading: Eph 2:11-22.
Thought for today: We need God always.
Let us pray: God, help us to give suitable time
to all that is necessary – Amen.
Feast Saints Simon and Jude – Amen.
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