Simon and Jude, Apostles Feast
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19: 2-3, 4-5
Gospel: Luke 6: 12-16
First Reading: Ephesians 2: 19-22
19 Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners; but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and the domestics of God,
20 Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:
21 In whom all the building, being framed together, groweth up into an holy temple in the Lord.
22 In whom you also are built together into an habitation of God in the Spirit.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19: 2-3, 4-5
R. (5a) Their message goes out through all the earth.
2 The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.
3 Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
4 There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard.
5 Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Alleluia: See Te Deum
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 6: 12-16
12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and he passed the whole night in the prayer of God.
13 And when day was come, he called unto him his disciples; and he chose twelve of them (whom also he named apostles).
14 Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who is called Zelotes,
16 And Jude, the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor.
Reflection
Before choosing the Twelve, Jesus spends the whole night in prayer. His mission flows from communion with the Father, and those whom he calls are gathered into that mission as apostles. Their names are remembered because Christ builds his Church through real people, with their strengths, limitations, and need for grace.
The Church is not a collection of isolated believers. In Christ, the cornerstone, we become fellow citizens with the saints and a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. The message proclaimed by the apostles joins the witness already written into creation: the heavens declare God’s glory, and their word goes out through all the earth. Every Christian shares in this living testimony by belonging faithfully to Christ and allowing his presence to be seen in daily life. Prayer must come before service, as it did for Jesus. When our efforts begin in God rather than in our own certainty, we can help strengthen the communion of the Church and make his saving message heard with greater truth.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you prayed before calling your apostles and made them foundations of your Church. Draw me more deeply into communion with you and with all your people. Make my heart a dwelling place of your Spirit. Teach me to listen before I speak, to serve without seeking recognition, and to remain faithful when discipleship is demanding. May my words and actions give credible witness to your Gospel, so that your glory may be seen and your message carried farther through the quiet faithfulness of your people. Keep me close to your mercy and strengthen me in hope. Amen.
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