Sent Forth by Christ

October 28, 2021

Jesus walked up to the mountain to pray, and he stayed there all night. When the
time arrived, Jesus gathered his followers around him and picked twelve of them
to be Apostles... Luke 6:12 Simon and Jude were among a small group of people
chosen by Jesus to be His Apostles. Today's Simon is not the same as today's
Peter, and today's Jude is not the same as today's Judas. These two Apostles are
largely unknown. In the Gospels, Simon is referred to as a zealot, which could
indicate that he belonged to a more radical Jewish group. Jude is often referred to
as the Patron Saint of Hopeless Cases. Some speculate that this is because,
because he shared a name with Judas Iscariot, he was frequently the final Apostle
to be prayed to by the early Christian faithful, and praying to Jude reminded
people of that betrayer. Then, if such was the case,In God's providence, because
Jude was the last Apostle to be prayed to, he also became the last hope for many
people, and thus the patron saint of those who face extremely desperate
situations. Saints Simon and Jude, according to legend, are linked in the Roman
Canon and share the same feast day because they were both martyred on the
same day, presumably in Syria, Lebanon, or Persia. The precise facts of their
missionary trips and martyrdom, however, are unknown. The fact that these
Apostles were Apostles is the only thing that is certain about them. Our Lord
chose and appointed them as two of the first bishops of our Church, with the
mission of spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.Being one of the chosen
Twelve is a tremendous honor today, in our opinion. Our worldwide universal
Catholic Church is the outcome of their ministry in founding the first Christian
communities. These soldiers probably had no idea how much of an influence their
devoted service would have on the world. We are reminded that each of us is
called to go forth and proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the globe as we honor
these two Apostles. We each do it in our own unique way, according to the calling
and purpose that Christ has given us. Each of us has been given the opportunity to
make an eternal difference in the lives of those we serve. And if we stay true to
our purpose, we may be sure that our apostolic service will have an impact on the
lives of countless people till the end of time. Consider how Jesus chose these two
men and appointed them as Apostles today. When you do so, pay attention to
God's voice as He talks to you. Accepting the mission that Jesus gives you is really
important. Say "Yes" to Him in imitation of these two Apostles, and know that
your decision to serve our Lord in this way will have a lasting impact not just on
your life, but also on the lives of countless others. My magnificent Lord, You chose
Simon and Jude, two ordinary men, to be Your Apostles. You lavished Your
kindness on them, instructed them in Your Word, and sent them out to preach to
the ends of the globe. Please send me to whomever You want, dear Lord. Use me
as Your instrument, and enable me to always be faithful and ardent in reaching
out to those who are in need, especially those who lack faith and hope. Please
pray for us, Saints Simon and Jude. I put my faith in You, Jesus.