St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles
Jeremiah 26:1–16
1 Peter 1:3–9
John 15:(12–16) 17–21
St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles
“Speak to them; do not hold back a word” (Jer. 26:1–6). The Word is always repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:44) — “great mercy” and “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3). “If they kept my word,” says Jesus, “they will also keep yours,” but “if the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18–21). In Jeremiah’s day, the people demanded he die, but they did not bring his “innocent blood” on themselves (Jer. 26:8–16). When the priests and people gathered around Jesus, they refused to hear (Matt. 27:20–26). Christ’s servants will not be above their master (John 15:20). According to tradition, Simon (the Zealot) and Jude (also known as Thaddaeus) worked to bring the Gospel to Persia, where they were martyred together. But even in this, God’s servants are “more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37). “Though … tested by fire” and suffering, we obtain “the outcome of [our] faith, the salvation of [our] souls,” and rejoice (1 Peter 1:6–9). For as Jesus told Jude, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23).
