Word to the Wise
Friday, October 28, 2016 - Oct. 28 - Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles
[Eph 2:19-22 and Luke 6:12-19]You are no longer strangers and sojourners but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. [Ephesians]
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016 STS. SIMON AND JUDE, apostles
The apostles chosen by Jesus were a highly diverse bunch. Simon was known to be a member of what we would call a "terrorist organization," the Zealot party which was dedicated to removing the Romans from the Holy Land. Their efforts eventually led to disaster when a revolt 66-70 AD ended with the Romans destroying Jerusalem, building a new city on top of the ruins and scattering much of the Jewish population. But, if zealots need a patron I suppose St. Simon might be of help!
St. Jude is another matter altogether. He has become known as the patron saint of hopeless causes. Over the years I have been the preacher for four St. Jude Novenas - two in Chicago and two in New Orleans. The faith of the people who attend these nine days of devotions is amazing, and the stories I hear in the confessional and outside of it are very moving. Knowing that there is someone who can intercede when the way out of a hard situation seems nonexistent can be very consoling.
The first scripture for this day places us in the same "household" with Sts. Simon and Jude. We belong, by virtue of our baptism, to a very interesting family! But, if Jesus chose such a diverse group as his closest associates, surely we aren't that "different!" AMEN
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