Opening Prayer:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Our Mission Prayer
Lord Jesus, just as you commissioned St. Simon and St. Jude to
“Go therefore and make disciples”, you are calling us to do the same!
May we respond to you by welcoming all to be part of our Eucharistic Community as we strive to grow in our knowledge, love, and service to God and to one another.
Loving Father, fill us with the power of your Holy Spirit so that we can
go forth proclaiming the Good News to all.
The Day Spiritual Reading:
A Reading from The Book 101 Saints and Special People
– By Vera Schauber and Michael Schindler
Simon the Zealot was a follower of Jesus and was one of the twelve apostles.
Unlike the apostle Simon, who later became Peter, Simon the Zealot was very quiet. Little has been written about him in the Gospels, but Jesus must have been impressed by the modesty of this unassuming disciple. He knew that these are often the very people who are especially loyal and reliable….
Simon had been a follower of those who were prepared to fight for the freedom of the Jewish people suffering at that time under the reign of terror. That is why he had the name “Zealot”…
However, once Simon answered the call of Jesus to become an apostle he became quite a different person. Jesus had no time for violence. He knew that you should not fight violence with further violence.
After the death of Jesus it is said that Simon went to Persia and preached the good news of Jesus there. Eventually he was martyred for his beliefs…
The Day Topic: Unassuming Zealots
Inspired by our co-patron, St. Simon, we are called to be passionate about our faith but in a humble, unassuming manner.
The Day Reflection:
St. Simon’s conversion changed him from a zealot of insurrectionists to a devoted disciple of Christ. His “zeal” should inspire us to be prepared to face any sacrifice for Our Lord. As a role model, he would encourage us to maintain humility and holiness while our hearts are burning with the love of Christ.
Silent Reflection Followed by Optional Sharing
I. Do others see us as devoted followers of Christ?
II. Are we passionate about our faith with humility?
III. What is one way we can be an unassuming servant in our ministry?
(State Your Intentions Here…)
Say: 1 Our Father… !0 Hail Marys… 1 Glory be to…
Concluding Prayer:
Novena Prayer
Father God, you revealed yourself to us through the preaching of your apostles Simon and Jude. By their prayers, give your Church continued growth and increase the number of those who believe in you.
O Glorious Saint Simon, you were a cousin of Jesus and a devoted follower as well. You were called “the Zealot,” indicating that you were willing to give your life for your religion and your freedom as a human person. Obtain for us the grace to be willing to give our lives for Christ and to labour for the freedom and peace that only God can give. Help us to spend ourselves for God on earth and be received by him in eternal bliss in heaven.
O Glorious St. Jude, you were honoured to be a cousin as well as a follower of Jesus, and you wrote an Epistle in which you said: “Grow strong in your holy faith through prayer in the Holy Spirit.” Obtain for us the grace of being people of faith and people of prayer. Let us be so attached to the three Divine Persons through faith and prayer on earth that we may be united with them in the glory of the beatific vision in heaven.
Our Glorious Patrons, with faith in your goodness, we ask for your help today. As Christ’s chosen Apostles, you remain pillars and foundations of His Church on earth. You are counted, we know, among the elders who always stand before God’s throne.
From your place of glory, we know you do not forget the needs and difficulties of Christ’s little ones here, still struggling, like us, on the way home to God. Please intercede for us all, gracious St. Simon and St. Jude, and be with us in our daily toil and in all our necessities, especially that we become the people of our Vision Statement.
In Christ’s name, we appeal to you again today. Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
