October 28, 2017

Simon and Jude

October 28, 2017:  SS. Simon and Jude, Apostles




  • 'Stone' tie pin:  You're members of God's household, built on the Apostles and prophets, with Christ as capstone (1st reading)
  • 'Dove' pin:  You're being built into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (1st reading)
  • 'Earth' tie:  "Their message goes out through all the earth" (psalm)
  • 'Alps' pin:  Jesus went up to the mountain to pray (gospel)
  • 'Phone' tie bar:  Jesus 'called' his apostles (gospel)
  • Red shirt:  Color of apostles' feast

Listen

For Psalm 19
In honor of tonight's John Michael Talbot concert at St. Bede
 It's not too late to get your ticket online or at the door!

  • Eph 2:19-22  You're no longer strangers and sojourners but fellow citizens, members of God's household, with Christ as capstone.  Through him the structure grows into a temple; in him you're being built into a dwelling place of God.
  • Ps 19:2-5  "Their message goes out through all the earth."  The heavens declare God's glory.
  • Lk 6:12-16  Jesus spent the night in prayer, then called his 12 'Apostles':  Simon whom he named Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Simon (called a Zealot), Judas, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
Reflect
  • Creighton:  Jesus called Simon and Jude Thaddeus as part of the Twelve, and they responded generously.  Jesus is the capstone of the arch of Jesus' disciples, the topmost piece that keeps the structure together.  He keeps the community of disciples together; without him we fall apart.  Paul tells the Ephesian Christians they're members of God's household founded on those called into service with Jesus.  We're the "Body of Christ," each invited to be with Jesus as he calls us to serve.  Just like his other disciples, we're ordinary and flawed but made different by our yes to Jesus' invitation.  We're sinners loved by God and invited to share that love, called daily into our unique discipleship.
  • One Bread, One Body:  "War on terror":  Jesus places his ministry in the hands of Simon, Jude, and 10 other apostles' hands.  Simon was called the Zealot.  Zealots were like today's "terrorists."  Why would Jesus entrust his ministry and reputation to a terrorist?  Imagine the outcry if a bishop hired a terrorist.  Before meeting Jesus, Paul often acted like a terrorist:  "He entered houses, dragged people out, and jailed them."  "So wild was my fury, I pursued [Christians] even to foreign cities."  Terrorist groups invoke great fear, but Jesus can convert even the hardened terrorists, like Simon and Paul, and make them apostles, the foundation of the Church!  Jesus loved and converted terrorists, then entrusted them with ministry.  In the Litany of St. Joseph, he's invoked as "Terror of Demons."  May we terrify the kingdom of darkness by our faith and love.
  • Passionist:  The first apostles came from backgrounds and cultures different from ours, but they're models we, sinners and saints like them, can relate to and also be challenged by.  The apostles took their role seriously; they weren't perfect but they believed and spread the message of Christ wherever they were sent.  Next month we especially reflect on the holy people who have gone before us in faith, giving thanks for the grace and wisdom they've brought to us and continue to bring.  Reflect on the moments that lead you to the Lord and give thanks for those who have walked with you past and present.  We're all saints called to lead lives of goodness and grace.
  • DailyScripture.net:  "Jesus chose twelve apostles":  Jesus chose 12 ordinary people as his friends and apostles, nonprofessionals, common people, sans wealth, position, special education, or social advantages; he wanted people who could follow him well.  When the Lord calls, don't shrink back thinking you have nothing to offer; he uses us for greatness in his kingdom.  People came to Jesus because they heard what he did and wanted healing. Jesus offers true freedom to all who seek him with faith....
From Universalis
  • Jude (Thaddeus), apostle, at the Last Supper asked Jesus why he showed himself only to the disciples; patron saint of lost and desperate causes.

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