Luke 6:12-16

Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray,

and he spent the night in prayer to God.

When day came, he called his disciples to himself,

and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:

Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,

James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,

Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,

Simon who was called a Zealot,

and Judas the son of James,

and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, draw me more deeply into the unity of your family, the Church. Guide my thoughts, words, actions, and prayers so that I may imitate your Son and his holy Apostles. Help me overcome evil in my heart and in my community, foster unity amid our differences, and faithfully proclaim your Kingdom to the world.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Three Tasks of an Apostle: Today’s feast of Saints Simon and Jude invites us to reflect on the vocation of the Apostles, the diversity of their community, and the teaching contained in the Letter of Jude. In Luke’s Gospel, we learn that Jesus chose the Twelve after spending the night in prayer to God. The Gospel of Mark further explains that Jesus appointed the Apostles for three tasks (Mark 3:13-15). First, they were called to be with Jesus, to center their lives on him, and to learn from him. This communion with Christ would lead not only to imitating him but also to identifying themselves with his mission. Second, they were sent out to preach. Their message was the same as Jesus’ own proclamation: the kingdom of God. They announced God’s dominion and lordship, the mystery of Jesus Christ, who came to save us and dwell with us and within us, and the Church as the beginning and seed of the kingdom. In short, they proclaimed God’s plan for humanity (see CCC, 1). Third, they received authority to cast out demons, confronting the power of evil and manifesting the victory of God’s kingdom. This mission continues in the Church through the proclamation of the Gospel, the celebration of the Sacraments, and the spiritual struggle against sin and the devil.

2. The Makeup of the Community of the Apostles: Luke tells us that Simon was called a Zealot. Pope Benedict XVI observed that, even if Simon was not formally a member of the nationalist movement of the Zealots, he was at least marked by a passionate attachment to his Jewish identity and, consequently, to God, his people, and the divine Law (Benedict XVI, October 11, 2006). If this was the case, Simon’s background was worlds apart from Matthew’s, since Matthew had worked as a tax collector for the Romans. Jesus called his disciples and collaborators from remarkably different backgrounds. As Pope Benedict explained, “It was people who interested him, not social classes or labels!” Despite their differences, the Apostles learned to live and work together because Jesus himself united them (Benedict XVI, October 11, 2006). This offers an important lesson for the Church today. We must resist the temptation to reduce one another to superficial labels or to promote polarizing divisions: doctrinal versus pastoral, traditional versus progressive, or sacramental versus missionary. These distinctions can sometimes identify genuine differences in emphasis, but they must never become excuses for contempt or disunity. Unity does not mean uniformity, nor does it require us to abandon the pursuit of truth. Like the Apostles, we are called to become of one mind and heart, united in Christ and gathered in prayer through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14).

3. The Letter of Jude: The Letter of Jude offers further insight into the concerns traditionally associated with Saint Jude. It urges Christians to contend for the faith handed down to them (Jude 3-4), warns against those who introduce corruption and division into the community (Jude 8), and calls believers to persevere in the apostolic faith. Jude also exhorts Christians to build themselves up in their most holy faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, remain in God’s love, and await the mercy of Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life (Jude 20-21). He warns against those who spread destructive teaching and follow the rebellious ways of the past (Jude 11). Pope Benedict XVI also drew attention to Jude’s question to Jesus at the Last Supper and the Lord’s response concerning his manifestation to those who love him (John 14:22-23). As the Pope explained, “The Lord does not appear as a thing. He desires to enter our lives, and therefore, his manifestation is a manifestation that implies and presupposes an open heart. Only in this way do we see the Risen One” (Benedict XVI, October 11, 2006). Saints Simon and Jude, therefore, offer us models of apostolic fidelity and unity. They also remind us that authentic communion with Christ requires hearts open to his presence and minds attentive to the truth he has revealed. Through their intercession, may we remain steadfast in the apostolic faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, preserve unity in charity, and await the mercy of Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you called your Apostles to remain with you, proclaim your kingdom, and overcome the power of evil. Help me follow their example in my daily life. Teach me to spend time in prayer with you, to share your Gospel with courage and charity, and to work for unity within your Church. Through the intercession of Saints Simon and Jude, make me a faithful witness to your truth and love.

Living the Word of God: Being with Christ: Do I make sufficient time for prayer and communion with Jesus so that my thoughts, words, and actions reflect his character and mission? Fostering unity: How can I become an apostle of unity and charity rather than a cause of division? Do I need to grow in the art of dialogue, seeking to understand others’ experiences and concerns while correcting errors in truth and charity? Remaining faithful: How can I deepen my understanding of the apostolic faith, persevere in prayer, and help those who are struggling with doubt or confusion to remain in the love of God?