Saint of the Day
Sts. Simon and Jude
St. Simon the Zealot and St. Jude Thaddaeus were among the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Little is recorded of Simon beyond his designation as "the Zealot." Jude is the author of the brief Epistle of Jude and is venerated as the patron of hopeless causes. According to tradition, they preached together in Persia and were martyred there.
Scripture Reading
Luke 6:12-13
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.
Reflection
Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James — the apostles we commemorate today — are known to us largely by name, yet they were chosen and sent just as surely as Peter and John. Most faithful service is invisible service: unglamorous, uncelebrated, yet essential to the mission. Before Jesus chose the twelve, He prayed through the night. Our own callings are similarly rooted in the intercession of Christ. Walk faithfully in your small corner of the vineyard.
Prayer for Today
Thank you, Father, for teaching us to number our days, thank you for your blessings are however innumerable, we begin this celebration in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen.
Amen.