Simon and Jude Thaddeus

Simon and Jude Thaddeus

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

          While researching my previous article on Saint Simon of Cyrene, I came across an intriguing article concerning the Acts of Simon and Jude. To begin, both Simon and Jude were among the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Simon was known as a zealot which put him in direct confrontation with the Roman authorities. He was also Christ's cousin. Jude Thaddeus, not to be confused with Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus, was the cousin of Mary, the Mother of God.

          After the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Simon began preaching in Egypt. Jude on the other hand began preaching in Mesopotamia and Pontus. They decided to join forces in Persia. Of course they ran into the problems of sorcery by people such as Zapoes and Arphaxat. They also encountered a duke named Baradach who tried to prove to them that his god was stronger than their God. Naturally, the duke failed, and Jesus was found to be the true God. They followed the Lord's command to go into the whole world and preach the gospel baptizing their converts in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

         The “Acts of Simon and Jude” are not recorded in scripture. The “Acts” are instead part of the tradition of the Church. The “Acts” give details of their missionary work on earth. They remained faithful to the end, and both suffered martyrdom on the same day. Their work is an example of powerful missionary work. In October, we celebrate missionaries around the world, thank them for their tireless service, and ask God to continue to bless all missionaries everywhere.

         Until next time, Deo Gratias. Laus Tibi Christe. Laus Deo. Gloria Tibi Domini. See you in paradise.