Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

Today's Scripture

Today we celebrate the feast of the Apostles Simon and Jude.  The word apostle means “one sent out”. The readings remind us that we are called to be disciples/apostles.  The context for this call to discipleship is rooted in our faith community.  What makes this call seem even more radical is that in many ways the cultural shifts in mobility and communications are causing people to be more isolated, more like strangers.  One outward sign of this reality is the shift toward individual spirituality and away from communal religion.

St. Paul seems to be addressing the isolation or the separation between members in the community at Ephesus.  “You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones.”  (Eph 2:19) For Paul, we are no longer individuals; we are members of a family.  This family extends beyond the boundaries of time and space.  Paul also includes the holy ones, the apostles, prophets, and all the saints with Jesus as our capstone or cornerstone.  We are one community of saints held together by Christ. 

For Paul, this community is not static.  It is a living breathing organism, a sacred temple, that is growing and “Built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”(Eph. 2:22b) Growing our faith is a process that transforms both us and the community.  Living a holy life, as one who belongs to God and God’s community, by definition means we are sent together to carry God’s message “out through all the earth.” (Ps. 19:5a)  Indeed, being an apostle is a call that comes from Jesus that draws us into relationship with Jesus and ultimately sends us out to be Jesus.
 
Reflect on how your relationship with Jesus is growing.  Is this growth an individual response to God’s call or is it rooted in the growth of a faith community?  Discern a way in which your spiritual growth could be better intertwined with your faith community; perhaps become an usher, a greeter, a lector or a Eucharistic Minister, etc.  Already involved in the life of the church, think of someone you could invite to a deeper level of relationship with Christ and His Church.  Pray for that person, then when the Spirit directs, invite them.

“Lord you bind us to yourself and you call us to lives of holiness.  Send Your Spirit upon us and our community so that we, like the apostles before us, might go forth together to build Your sacred living temple. Amen!” 

 - Michael Montgomery