Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

October 28

Saints Simon and Jude are celebrated together because, according to tradition, they preached together in Persia and were martyred together. They represent the apostles who worked faithfully in the background, without the prominence of Peter or John.

Saint Simon the Zealot

Simon is called "the Zealot" (Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13) or "the Cananaean" (Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18)—both terms likely indicating his association with Jewish nationalism before following Jesus. The Zealots were known for their fierce opposition to Roman rule.

That Jesus chose both Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector—a Roman collaborator—demonstrates the reconciling power of the Gospel. Former enemies became brothers in Christ.

Saint Jude Thaddaeus

Jude is identified as "Judas son of James" (Luke 6:16, Acts 1:13) and "Thaddaeus" (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18). He is not to be confused with Judas Iscariot—a distinction the Gospel of John is careful to make:

"Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, 'Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?'" — John 14:22

This is the only time Jude speaks in the Gospels, asking Jesus a question about his self-revelation.

The Epistle of Jude

Jude is traditionally credited with writing the short New Testament letter that bears his name. This epistle warns against false teachers and concludes with one of Scripture's most beautiful doxologies:

"Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." — Jude 24-25

Mission and Martyrdom

According to tradition, Simon and Jude preached together in Persia (modern-day Iran). They were martyred together there—Simon traditionally by being sawn in two, and Jude by being clubbed and then beheaded with an axe.

Patron of Hopeless Causes

Saint Jude became the patron saint of hopeless causes, perhaps because people avoided praying to him due to his name's similarity to Judas Iscariot. Those in desperate situations who had "nowhere else to turn" turned to Jude—and found him a powerful intercessor.

Legacy

Simon and Jude remind us that not all disciples are famous. They worked faithfully, preached boldly, and died courageously—models for every Christian who serves without recognition.