Daily Gospel Reflection for October 28, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Cathy G. Knipper

Today's Gospel: Feast of Saints Simon and Jude - Luke 6:12-16

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude—two apostles as under-the-radar as you can get. Their fellow namesakes among the disciples steal all the limelight in the gospels, while these two receive barely a mention. We all know Simon-turned-Peter and Judas-turned-traitor, but what do we hear about this pair? Very little—and perhaps that is the point.

Jesus chose His apostles carefully. “He departed to the mountain to pray and he spent the night in prayer to God.” Then, on a specific day, He chose the twelve and named them apostles.

Among them, John, the apostle Jesus loved. Thomas—forever branded the doubter. Philip who helped feed the five thousand. Andrew, who bought us Simon, who became Peter, the rock of our Church. Matthew, the tax-collector-turned-storyteller, Simon the Zealot, Judas the traitor, James the Lesser and James the Greater, Judas and Bartholomew.
Each man had a part to play, each called to follow Jesus in faith. This rag-tag group of men formed our perfectly, imperfect Church. They built the foundation for us and forged a path we continue to follow today. Through Jesus’ ministry and after His death and resurrection, these leaders spread the Word to form the Church. One fell to sin and death. The rest stayed, guided by the Paraclete, who bestows on all gifts of the Spirit.

Not everyone can be a Peter. Some must work humbly and steadfastly in the background. Some of us will be the Simons and the Judes and the Bartholomews. The kingdom is built from many, working together in faith.
Jesus calls us all to be disciples and apostles. What part will you play in salvation history? Whether called to the spotlight or to the background, all can lend a hand to help Our Father build his heavenly kingdom.

Ponder:

What role is Jesus calling you to in His father’s kingdom?

Pray:

Lord, I know You have called me by name. Show me how to be the apostle You need.

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Whether called to the spotlight or to the background, all can lend a hand to help Our Father build his heavenly kingdom. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Cathy G. Knipper

Cathy G. Knipper is a Catholic wife and mother to three adult children and two sons-in-law who came to her fully-grown. She is a farmer’s daughter, and former journalist turned freelance book publicist. She writes for various online and print publications. She blogs at http://awordinprogress.com/