Oct 28 – Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles
St. Simon was an apostle called the Cananean or Zealot because of his zeal for the Jewish law. He was not from Cana, nor a member of the Zealot party. Like all the Apostles, he was a convert, and was trained by St. Peter the Apostle. He evangelised in Egypt and Mesopotamia, though there are traditions of him being in several other locations. Several places claim to have been the site of his martyrdom – Abyssinians claim he was crucified in Samaria; Lipsius says he was sawn in half at Suanir, Persia; Moses of Chorene writes that he was martyred at Weriosphora in Iberia.
- Patron Saint Index
St. Jude Thaddeus was the son of Cleopas, who died a martyr, and Mary who stood at the foot of the Cross and who anointed Christ’s body after death. He was the brother of St. James the Lesser, and nephew of Mary and Joseph. He was the blood relative of Jesus Christ, and was reported to look a lot like him. He may have been a fisherman, and was an apostle.
He was the writer of a canonical letter. He preached in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Persia with St. Simon. He was a healer and an exorcist, and could exorcise pagan idols, which caused the demons to flee and the statues to crumble. He was beaten to death with a club, then beheaded post-mortem in 1st century Persia.
His patronage of lost or impossible causes traditionally derives from confusion by many early Christians between Jude and Judas; not understanding the difference between the names, they never prayed for Jude’s help, and devotion to him became something of a lost cause.
- Patron Saint Index
Eph 2:19-22
Lk 6:12-19
,,,you are citizens like all the saints…built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit.
I have been privileged to be a member of my music ministry, named after St Jude, since 2011 when I joined after my Christ encounter at my Conversion Experience Retreat. Every single time I step foot into our centre — whether to serve in a retreat, attend our regular 2nd Saturday overnight vigil, or lead a session (Friday Growth or 4th Saturday mass) – I marvel at how all the members have devoted themselves unceasingly and unfailingly to the centre’s mission as a cradle for Catholic spirituality here in Singapore.
Indeed, it has been an oasis of sorts for me and has been instrumental in shaping my own views on leadership and how important it is to remain focussed and anchored on what one feels is his/her mission or purpose in life. Of late, I have been asked to ‘step up’ more and to take on leadership roles within the centre – especially in some of the more ‘iconic’ retreats that are conducted there. And, as always, there are times when I have felt lost and helpless – simply because some of the roles are new to me.
Yet, He never fails to offer/provide a helping hand each time I look for answers; and, inevitably, it is through another ministry member who has prior knowledge or who may be working in the background. And yes, He is subtle in His ways – nudging me towards someone through an offer of a meal together, or even a chance encounter in a corridor/walkway or the adoration chapel where I sometimes go to get inspiration.
And through these ‘teachings’, I learn more about myself. About my levels of tolerance and patience before I speak up. About how much I am willing to let go in order for others to rise up and ‘do their thing’. And, most importantly, about how willing I am to trust that He will lead the way through a session or even an entire day.
As I was preparing for this reflection, an encounter with another ministry member made me pause and take stock of my ‘leadership style’. That made me realise how I have evolved over the decades into a different leader, especially after having been blessed to have been ‘mentored’ by more than a few elders along the way. And while I may not be as ‘outcome-focussed’ as other leaders, I truly believe that it is the people that matter. Simply because by focussing on the people, they will deliver an outcome that no one could have imagined…provided the nudging has been done after much prayer and discernment.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Dearest Father, You are my guiding light, my north star and my eternal inspiration. Continue to lead and guide me on my journeys which You have destined for me.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to fail, fall and rise each time I take a step. Thank you for your faith in me and for always watching over me.
OXYGEN 
Leave a comment