Once, a priest said something that stayed with me: “The greatest thing we can do in life is to remain connected to Jesus. When we abide in Him, He gives meaning to everything we do.” Those words made me reflect deeply on the lives of St. Simon the Zealot and St. Jude Thaddeus. They were ordinary men whom Jesus called to become His Apostles, and their relationship with Christ became the foundation of their mission. Although Scripture provides limited information about their personal lives, their witness speaks powerfully about faith, courage, perseverance and hope.
St. Simon – A Heart Transformed by Christ
St. Simon is traditionally known as Simon the Zealot. The Gospels identify him by this title, which indicates his zeal, although we cannot establish with certainty that he belonged to the organized political movement known as the Zealots. Whatever his background, Jesus called him to become one of the Twelve Apostles.
His calling reminds us that Christ gathers people from different backgrounds and unites them in His mission. Christ does not merely call perfect people; He transforms willing hearts.
Simon teaches us that our past does not have to determine our future. A person may be passionate, impatient or deeply attached to certain ideas, but when that person truly encounters Christ, that passion can be directed towards what is good.
We see similar examples in everyday life. A young person who once used his energy in arguments may learn to use that same energy to defend someone who is being bullied. A teacher who is frustrated by difficult students may gradually discover patience and compassion. A person who once lived only for personal success may begin serving the poor and forgotten.
That is what it means to abide in Christ—to allow Him to change our hearts from within.
“When Christ enters our life, He does not destroy our passion; He gives it a higher purpose.”
St. Jude – The Apostle of Hope
St. Jude, also known as Jude Thaddeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles. Christian tradition remembers him as the patron saint of difficult and seemingly hopeless situations. The Letter of Jude, traditionally associated with his name, encourages Christians to remain faithful to the faith they have received and to build themselves up in faith, prayer and love.
His message is particularly relevant today. Many people experience situations that seem impossible: family problems, financial struggles, illness, loneliness, failure, broken relationships or uncertainty about the future. In such moments, the example of St. Jude reminds us not to surrender hope.
To abide in Christ does not mean that we will never experience difficulties. It means that we do not face those difficulties alone.
Consider a mother who continues praying for her child who has gone astray. Consider a student who fails an examination but refuses to give up. Consider a person who loses a job but continues believing that life has a purpose. Consider someone grieving the loss of a loved one who finds strength to continue living with faith.
These are everyday examples of Christian hope: hope when circumstances tempt us to despair.
“Hope is the quiet strength that says, ‘I will not give up, because God is still with me.’”
Two Apostles, One Mission
Simon and Jude came from different backgrounds, but Jesus brought them together as members of one apostolic community. Their lives remind us that the Church does not need everyone to be the same. It needs people who are willing to remain united in Christ.
Jesus said: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
In our homes, schools, communities and workplaces, we often meet people who think differently from us. There may be disagreements, misunderstandings and differences of opinion. Yet the invitation of Jesus remains: “Abide in Me.”
A family that prays together learns to forgive. A school community that listens to one another becomes stronger. A religious community that supports one another becomes a witness of Christ’s love. A workplace where people help rather than compete becomes a place of dignity and respect.
St. Simon and St. Jude teach us that discipleship is not about standing alone. It is about remaining in Christ and walking together with others. Our unity does not require uniformity; rather, it calls us to respect our differences while remaining united in the love of Christ.
Courage to Proclaim Christ
After the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, the Apostles went out to proclaim the Gospel. According to Christian tradition, Simon and Jude preached the Gospel in different regions and eventually suffered martyrdom for their faith. Although the historical details of their missionary journeys and deaths are not fully established, the Church remembers them as witnesses who remained faithful to Christ.
Their courage raises an important question for us: How do we proclaim Christ today?
We may not be called to preach in distant lands or face martyrdom as the Apostles did. But we are called to witness through our ordinary lives.
A teacher who treats every child with dignity proclaims Christ.
A student who refuses to cheat proclaims Christ.
A person who forgives instead of taking revenge proclaims Christ.
A neighbour who visits someone who is lonely proclaims Christ.
A family member who cares for an elderly parent proclaims Christ.
A person who speaks truth with kindness proclaims Christ.
Our lives must reflect the Gospel we proclaim. Words become more credible when they are accompanied by love, integrity and compassionate action. Sometimes the greatest sermon is not spoken from a pulpit; it is seen in the way we live.
The witness of Simon and Jude challenges us to ask whether people can recognize Christ through our words, choices and relationships.
Abiding in Christ in Our Daily Life
The message of St. Simon and St. Jude is not confined to their time. It speaks directly to us today. To abide in Christ means to make Him the centre of our daily lives. It also means remaining in His love, keeping His commandments and loving one another, as Jesus teaches in John 15:9–17.
A simple example can be found in the life of a student. Imagine a student who notices a classmate sitting alone every day. Instead of ignoring the person, the student begins to sit with them, share lunch and offer friendship. No great speech is given. Yet Christ is being proclaimed through a simple act of love.
Likewise, a teacher who notices a struggling child and patiently gives extra time and encouragement is living the call to abide in Christ. A religious sister who continues serving despite tiredness is seeking strength in Christ. A person who chooses hope after experiencing loss is remaining rooted in faith.
Jesus reminds us: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
The branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine. In the same way, our lives cannot bear lasting fruits of love, patience, courage and compassion unless we remain connected to Christ.
Conclusion
St. Simon and St. Jude may not have left behind many recorded details about their lives, but their witness continues to speak across the centuries. Simon reminds us that Christ can direct our zeal towards His mission. Jude reminds us of the importance of remaining faithful and hopeful in difficult circumstances. Both point us towards the beauty of faithful discipleship.
Today, let us ask ourselves: Am I abiding in Christ, or am I trying to live only by my own strength?
May the examples of St. Simon and St. Jude inspire us to remain firmly rooted in Christ, courageous in faith, generous in service and joyful in hope.
And may our lives become living testimonies of the words of Jesus”
“Abide in Me… and bear much fruit.”
– Sr Justina Vaz HC