SAINT OF THE DAY · OCTOBER 28

Who were Saints Simon and Jude?

Saintly Editorial 2 min read
In short

Saints Simon and Jude: Two apostles whose zeal and question point to Christ. Lived in the first century. Jewish followers in the Holy Land. Apostles of Jesus. Jude is linked to a New Testament letter. Simon is called the Zealot. Saintly remembers them on October 28.

  • Lived in the first century
  • Jewish followers in the Holy Land
  • Apostles of Jesus
  • Jude is linked to a New Testament letter
  • Simon is called the Zealot

Who were Saints Simon and Jude?

Simon and Jude followed Jesus as apostles. In the first century, Simon’s name pointed to zeal for God, while Jude’s question at the Last Supper draws us to Jesus’ teaching about love and keeping his word. Their witness begins in closeness to Christ.

Simon’s name points to wholehearted devotion to God. The Gospels call him Cananaean or Zealot, words understood as describing zeal, not proof that he belonged to a political group. His place among the Twelve shows Jesus called people from varied backgrounds.

Jude asked Jesus a direct question at supper. He wanted to know why Jesus would reveal himself to his disciples and not to the world. His question gives voice to a hope many believers carry: that everyone might recognize Christ.

Jesus answered Jude with a promise about love. Whoever loves him keeps his word, and the Father and the Son come to dwell with that person. Christ’s presence is received through faithful love, even when it is not publicly obvious.

A brief New Testament letter bears Jude’s name. It urges Christians to remain faithful to the faith handed on to them. That call makes apostolic witness practical: hold fast to Christ’s teaching when confusion or pressure makes fidelity difficult.

Jesus held the apostles together across differences. Simon’s zeal for God belonged within a group drawn from varied backgrounds, all united by Christ. Their shared life offers a pattern for Christian communities that make room for people with different experiences.

Their witness begins with attention to Jesus. Simon’s zeal and Jude’s question turn us toward the same center: loving Christ by keeping his word. When faith feels quiet or unnoticed, their example calls us to steady discipleship.

What can we learn from Saints Simon and Jude today?

  • Read one sentence of Jesus’ teaching, then choose one way to keep it today.
  • Ask Christ honestly where his presence is hard for you to recognize.
  • Make room in a conversation for someone whose convictions differ from yours.

Jesus, draw us close to you. Give us Simon’s zeal for God and Jude’s trust in your word, so our lives may welcome your presence.

When is the feast day of Saints Simon and Jude?

Saintly remembers Saints Simon and Jude on October 28, when the story above is the saint of the day in the app. Read how the Church declares someone a saint, or how to choose a patron saint.

Sources

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