St Simon and St Jude (27 October)

28 October is Saint Simon and Saint Jude’s day. We know very little about these two martyrs of the church, yet their witness shines through their unwavering commitment to Jesus and their willingness to serve in the background, faithfully advancing the gospel. Both are believed to have been martyred around 65–70 AD, though the exact dates and circumstances remain uncertain.

Tradition holds that they were both martyred in Persia (modern-day Iran), where they had been preaching the gospel. It is thought that they were killed together, possibly during a revolt against their mission efforts. Various sources suggest that Simon was sawn in half, while Jude was either clubbed or axed to death. These details from early Christian traditions are not certain, but their martyrdom does symbolize their deep commitment to spreading the gospel, even at the cost of their lives.

Saint Simon, often called ‘the Zealot’, teaches us the importance of passion in our faith. His zealous nature reminds us that our love for God should be fervent and active, driving us to share the good news with others, regardless of the cost. Even when the world pulls us in countless directions, Simon’s life urges us to fix our hearts on Christ, to love Him fully, and to be passionate about the work of the Kingdom.

Saint Jude (also known as Thaddeus) is often unkindly referred to as the patron saint of lost causes, yet he reminds us of hope. He encourages us to turn to God in times of doubt, confusion, or when the way forward seems impossible. In his epistle, Jude exhorts believers to ‘contend for the faith’ (Jude 1: 3), urging us to stand firm in the face of trials and to trust that God is with us in our most challenging moments.

Whatever you are doing, take a moment to pause and reflect on Simon and Jude and try to draw inspiration from them. As we reflect on their lives, may we also seek to serve with humility, courage, and an unshakable trust in God’s promises to us.

Grace and peace to you all.

Chris