Feast of Saints Simon and Jude
(Ephesians 2:19-22; Luke 6:12-16)
Today’s Feast of Saints Simon and Jude is celebrated in
many places with all the vigor of a local patron. Little is known about either apostle. The reason for the popularity is that St.
Jude has been labeled the patron of hopeless causes with which many identify.
The devotion stems from the lively faith of many Catholic
people. They know God loves them and
will assist them in their need. Jude,
the last mentioned of the twelve in Luke’s gospel, matches their sense of being
overlooked in the normal course of events.
Yet he sits at the Savior’s table and has proven willing to intercede on
behalf of those who call on his name.
The feast should remind us to never give up praying for
just needs. God will turn bad situations
into good ones even though the outcome may not be what we had in mind. It is not just a matter of our changing perspectives
to accept the inevitable. Rather it is the
work of an all-caring God who has the powers of creation at His disposal to
meet our needs.
