Oct. 28, 2026

Gospel Reflection: That Christ May Be Known

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Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings for Today

[Jesus] 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. Luke 6:13–16

Today we honor two of the Twelve Apostles: Saints Simon and Jude. In Luke’s Gospel, Simon is referred to as a Zealot. Zealots were members of a Jewish sect that sought to overthrow Roman occupation in Palestine through revolutionary means, often promoting armed resistance in hopes of restoring Israel’s independence and religious purity. Jude is identified as the son of James, a distinction made to differentiate him from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer. He is also traditionally understood to be the author of the Epistle of Jude, a brief but powerful letter exhorting the faithful to maintain the pure faith and warning against false teachings.

Little is known about these two Apostles. After receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Saints Simon and Jude were among the earliest bishops of the Church, entrusted with strengthening new Christian communities and handing on the Sacraments and apostolic teaching. Though historical details are limited, many ancient accounts agree they traveled together as missionaries—traditionally to Persia (modern-day Iran)—where they boldly preached the Gospel. Around the year AD 65, tradition holds that Simon was martyred by being sawn in half, while Jude was beaten to death with a club. Though these accounts are shrouded in legend, their martyrdoms testify to their unwavering witness to Christ and their role in spreading the faith beyond the borders of Israel.

In the Gospel of John, we gain a glimpse into the heart of Saint Jude. Jude asks Jesus, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” (John 14:22). This question reflects his gratitude for being privileged to receive a deeper understanding of Christ’s revelation and reveals his desire that the whole world might come to know and believe. That desire became the driving force behind the mission of every Apostle, including Simon and Jude.

We honor the faithful Apostles because they are models for us. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, they shared one common trait. Except for Judas Iscariot, each underwent a radical conversion after being called by Jesus. During His three-year public ministry, they listened, often misunderstood, but persevered. When Jesus was arrested and crucified, all but one scattered, and Judas Iscariot took his own life. Yet after the Ascension, they gathered in prayer in the Upper Room and received the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. From that moment on, their lives were transformed. Their faith deepened, their understanding grew, and each embraced the call to become a bold witness to the Gospel, sharing it far and wide.

Today, the Twelve are in Heaven, but their mission continues in every Christian. Through the sacramental transmission of Holy Orders, each bishop is a direct successor of the Apostles. As members of the Church, we are also heirs to this apostolic mission. Having received the fullness of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation, we share in the same gifts and grace bestowed on the Apostles, empowering us to continue their sacred work, a work desperately needed in the world today. Like Saint Jude, we must foster within our hearts the same desire he had to share the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven to the ends of the earth.

Reflect today on the lives and missions of Saints Simon and Jude. Their faithful response to Christ’s call, their perseverance in the face of adversity, and their martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel speak volumes. Ponder how you, too, are called to carry forward the apostolic mission within your own state in life. Ask these holy Apostles to intercede for you, that you may be filled with apostolic zeal, remain faithful to the truth handed down to us, and proclaim Christ boldly to a world in need of His saving love.

Saints Simon and Jude, God called you, and you responded. Though you struggled at first, once you received the Holy Spirit and embraced the mission entrusted to you at the Great Commission, you tirelessly brought Christ to the world, even to the point of laying down your lives. Pray for me, that I may faithfully continue your mission, fueled by the same desire: that all may come to know and embrace the saving message of the Gospel. Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.

Audio recording: https://youtu.be/Qey7UDO_WUs?si=61tyOtRUrNfqjnKw