Today is the feast of SS Simon and Jude. In some of the list of the apostles they come towards the end just before Judas Iscariot. Peter is listed first, so we can assume that the lists were compiled, according to priority. If so, this confirms what history also tells us, that Simon and Jude were the least well known of the apostles.
I’ve always celebrated this feast as a celebration of the millions of unknown and hidden saints. Think of all those humble folks you’ve known who have quietly served God and served others without ever seeking credit, never seeking acclaim, money, or even thanks. The canonized saints are merely the tip of the iceberg. Millions more have become like Christ in total obscurity–suffering and serving in silence.
Take a moment and thank God for them and ask for their prayers.
Interesting then that their feast day would come so close to All Saints Day.
A Graphic Organizer for Remembering the 12 ApostlesOn a piece of paper, draw a large cross in the middle. Visualize a clock. Names in (parentheses) are other names given for the same man. There are three pairs of brothers, represented at the 12, 3 and 6 o’clock positions.1.At the 9 o’clock position, write Thomas, who doubted the Resurrection of Christ.2.10 o’clock: Judas, who betrayed Jesus with a kiss.3.11 o’clock: (Simon) Peter, who denied Jesus three times before the cock crowed.4.12 o’clock: Andrew, brother of Peter. They are sons of Jonah.5.1 o’clock: Philip and Andrew presented the boy with the fish and barley loaves to Jesus.6.2 o’clock: Nathanael was introduced to Jesus by Philip.7.3 o’clock: James the Greater is one of the sons of Zebedee.8.4 o’clock: John is his brother. John wrote one of the Gospels.9.5 o’clock: Matthew also wrote one of the Gospels.10.6 o’clock: James the Lesser is one of the sons of Alphaeus.11.7 o’clock: Jude (Thaddeus) is his brother.12.8 o’clock: Simon the Zealot (Simon of Cana).