Feast of Saints Simon and Jude

Reflection Date: October 28, 2026 | Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
Daily Readings: Ephesians 2:19-22; Luke 6:12-16

Children of God:
October 28 is the feast day of Saints Simon and Jude.

Saints Simon and Jude were among the twelve apostles whom Jesus chose to continue His mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. 

Simon was known as Simon the Zealot, a name that suggested his strong commitment and passionate character. Jude, also called Thaddeus, was remembered as an apostle who asked Jesus during the Last Supper why He would reveal Himself to His disciples and not to the world. 

Christian tradition associated both apostles with missionary work beyond the land of Israel, and later traditions connected them with preaching the Gospel in Persia, where they were believed to have suffered martyrdom. 

Although the New Testament gave us limited details about their lives, their place among the apostles showed that Jesus called people with different personalities and backgrounds to share one mission. 

In the gospel story of Luke, Jesus spent the night in prayer on a mountain before choosing twelve apostles, reminding us that meaningful decisions require discernment and that every calling carries a responsibility to serve.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, you don't have to be perfect to make a difference.

In the gospel story of Luke, Jesus went to a mountain and spent the night in prayer to God. When morning came, He called His disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles, including Simon, whom He called a Zealot, and Jude (Luke 6:12-16). 

Jesus did not gather people who all shared the same personality, profession, or background. He called different individuals and entrusted them with a common mission.

Sometimes, we hesitate to accept responsibilities because we believe we are not good enough. 

We compare ourselves with people who appear more talented, more experienced, or more confident. We may think that someone else can do the job better, so we remain in the background and refuse to contribute. 

Yet every person has something valuable to offer, and our weaknesses do not automatically disqualify us from doing good.

In our families, workplaces, and communities, we can contribute through our particular gifts. Someone may be good at organizing, another may know how to encourage people, and someone else may quietly notice the needs that others overlook. 

We do not have to excel in everything to make a difference. What matters is our willingness to learn, cooperate, and use our abilities responsibly for the good of others.

You don't have to be perfect to make a difference.

Second, different personalities can work together when they share a common purpose.

Simon was identified as a Zealot, while Jude was known among the apostles by the name Thaddeus. 

The Gospels did not provide a detailed account of their personalities or describe every interaction between them, but both were included in the group Jesus chose. Their presence among the twelve reminds us that a shared mission can bring different people together. 

Unity does not require everyone to think, speak, or act in exactly the same way.

We see this reality in our daily lives. In a family, one person may be practical while another is emotional. In an office, one colleague may prefer careful planning while another enjoys experimenting with new ideas. 

These differences can sometimes create misunderstandings, especially when we assume that our own way of doing things is the only correct approach. 

However, when we listen to one another and respect each person's contribution, our differences can help us see possibilities that we might otherwise miss.

The challenge is to focus on what we are trying to accomplish together instead of constantly competing over who is right. We can disagree without insulting one another, offer suggestions without belittling others, and recognize another person's strengths without feeling threatened. 

In the Church, this means working together despite differences in culture, language, age, and experience. A common mission becomes stronger when each person contributes generously and respects the gifts of others.

Different personalities can work together when they share a common purpose.

As we reflect, we ask ourselves: What responsibility am I hesitant to accept because I feel unprepared or unworthy? 

How do I respond to people whose personalities, opinions, or working styles differ from mine? What can I do today to use my gifts more generously and contribute to a shared mission?

Children of God: 
Each of us has something valuable to contribute, even when we cannot see the full impact of our efforts. 

We grow when we accept responsibilities with humility and remain open to learning from others. 

Our differences need not divide us when we choose respect, cooperation, and a shared purpose. 

Let us be willing to participate, support one another, and make room for the gifts that every person brings. 

May we follow the example of the apostles by answering our calling with courage, humility, and generous hearts.