The Feast Day of St. Simon and St. Jude

On the Church calendar, October 28th is the feast day of St. Simon and St. Jude the Apostles. Simon is listed among the original twelve Apostles in all four gospel accounts, and is also known as Simon the Zealot. He is believed to have been part of an extremely nationalistic anti-Roman sect bearing the name Zealots. The Zealots sought to free the Jewish people from Roman oppression and usher in a golden age of Judaism. They were even willing to do so by force, if necessary. Simon’s zealous nature would have been reshaped under the ministry of Jesus, but he can serve as an example for all who are passionate for the truth. Like Paul, his zealous passion was diverted to be used in a way that fit with God’s plan for mission work among the nations.

Jude, also known as Thaddeus in the gospels of Matthew and Mark, is not the same Jude who was a relative (brother or cousin) of Jesus. Not much is known about him outside of his being listed among the twelve in three of the four gospel accounts. Tradition says that both Simon and Jude were martyred in Syria while preaching the gospel. May we learn from these two Apostles and be zealous for the gospel and be willing to give our lives for its spread among the nations.

Collect (Prayer) of the Day

Grant, O God, that as your apostles Simon and Jude were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (taken from the ACNA Book of Common Prayer, 2019)

Bible Reading

Matthew 10:1-15 (ESV)

And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

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