PRAYER, THE FOUNDATION OF GOOD WORKS - 10/28/22 (Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles)

Luke 6:12

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102822.cfm

Blessed Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles! Not much is known about St. Simon the Zealot and St. Jude in the Scriptures besides being named in the gospel reading for today. Since they were part of the 12 apostles, we knew that they were influential for the spread of the Catholic faith. The apostles were the foundation of the Church. The word "zealot" from the name of St. Simon comes from the word "zeal", and this pertains to diligence in doing God's will. This was the reason why the apostles were dedicated in their preaching and ministries. But, how were they able to do all that God wanted for them? Did the apostles like St. Jude and St. Simon just depend on their own strength? Rather, prayer was the foundation of their good works. This is the example that our Lord provides to us in the gospel reading. 

Jesus Christ would choose the 12 disciples to join Him in His ministry work. But, He did not just pick them immediately. Instead, He went to the mountain and spent the night in prayer. Because Jesus is God the Son, He has always been united with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and He is always in the state of prayer, which is union with God. But, He is also our Teacher, and by praying at night, He is showing us that guidance and strength to be zealous in doing good works come from God. How can we preach through our words and works that God should be the top priority of our life, not wealth, position and honor, if we do not spend more time with Him in our prayer? How can we convince others of God's plan for them if we do not ask for His guidance when we make decisions, especially major decisions, in our lives? When Jesus also prayed at night, it also represented the necessity of prayer amidst the darkness in our lives. This darkness refers to sins and temptations we face such as despair, discouragement, worldly attachments and many more. We can only receive the light of Christ if we seek Him in silence, not in distractions of the world like addiction to social media and other things. May we also pray to St. Simon for us to be zealous in doing God's will, and may we seek the help of St. Jude when we feel hopelessness. Let us join the apostles in praising God because He grants us spiritual growth and increase in faith. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Simon and St. Jude:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/october-28--sts-simon-and-jude/

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/