Saints Simon and Jude were two of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, commemorated together on October 28th in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. Although not as widely known as some other apostles, their lives and martyrdom are steeped in the zeal and courage typical of Christ’s chosen disciples.
Saint Simon the Zealot
Saint Simon, also called Simon the Zealot to distinguish him from Simon Peter, was a member of a Jewish sect known as the Zealots, who passionately opposed Roman rule over Israel. This background as a Zealot highlights his intense desire for a liberated and faithful Israel, a desire he later channeled into spreading the Gospel. While little is recorded in Scripture about his personal life or ministry, tradition holds that he preached extensively in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia.
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Saint Jude, often referred to as Thaddeus or Jude Thaddeus to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, was known for his fervent commitment to Christ. Jude is sometimes referred to as the “Apostle of the Impossible” because of his association with bringing hope in desperate situations. In the Gospels, he is noted for asking Jesus during the Last Supper why He chose to reveal Himself to the disciples rather than to the world (John 14:22). Jude is also traditionally credited with writing the Epistle of Jude, a brief but fervent letter urging Christians to “contend for the faith” against heresies and apostasy.
Their Apostolic Mission and Martyrdom
After Pentecost, Simon and Jude are said to have joined forces in their missionary efforts. According to tradition, they preached together across Syria, Mesopotamia, and Persia (modern-day Iran). Facing relentless opposition, they labored to bring the message of Christ to regions steeped in paganism and rival religious traditions. Through preaching, miracles, and their unwavering testimony, they established numerous Christian communities and endured severe persecutions for the faith.
Their joint martyrdom is traditionally believed to have occurred in Persia, where they suffered brutal deaths, possibly by being hacked to death. Their feast day has been celebrated together since early in the Church’s history as a recognition of their shared mission and martyrdom.
Symbolism and Patronage
Saint Jude is often depicted holding a medallion with the face of Christ, symbolizing his closeness to Jesus and his commitment to revealing Christ to others. This image is often associated with the legend of King Abgar of Edessa, to whom Jude reportedly brought a miraculous image of Christ. Saint Simon is usually represented with a saw, the instrument of his martyrdom, or sometimes a fish to indicate his missionary journeys.
Saint Jude is regarded as the patron of hopeless causes and desperate situations, a devotion that began in the Middle Ages and continues to this day, with countless Catholics worldwide seeking his intercession. Saint Simon, though less frequently invoked individually, is honored alongside Jude, especially in matters related to perseverance in faith and evangelization.
Reflection on Saints Simon and Jude
The lives of Saints Simon and Jude highlight a fundamental truth of apostolic life: they abandoned everything—families, homeland, and safety—to follow Jesus and spread His message. Their steadfast commitment to evangelization, even unto martyrdom, serves as a powerful example of fortitude and zeal for the Gospel. They remind Catholics today of the need for unity and perseverance, especially in challenging times, calling all faithful to remain devoted to Christ in heart and deed.