28 Oct
Sat
Ss Simon and Jude, Apostles
Eph. 2:19-22
Ps. 19:1-4
Lk. 6:12-19
(Psalter proper)
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Today we celebrate the Feast of Sts Simon and Jude. One was known as the "zealot", because he had so much devotion to the Jewish Law. The other was "the brave one". When Jesus called them to be His apostles, they responded wholeheartedly and gave up everything to follow Him. Both these saints later went to Persia together to preach the Gospel and were martyred there.

The Gospel today tells us the calling of the 12 apostles. They were all common, simple folk. We often think that, in order to do God's work, we need to be "special" or endowed with talents and abilities. We often forget that the apostles, on whom the Church is founded, were all simple people. But they all shared one common trait that is their willingness to follow Jesus and to be His witnesses.

We do not need to be specially gifted or talented to serve God. Even the simplest act of service, if it's for God greater glory, is pleasing enough to God. God does not demand great acts from us, as long as the acts that we perform is for the good of man and it comes from our heart, that itself is sufficient.

Like Sts Simon and Jude, let us respond wholeheartedly to God and work for His greater glory!



Lord, grant us the grace to respond to You.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That all those who are baptized may mature in their faith and manifest it through clear, coherent and courageous choices in life.
Elaboration

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