To become great persons popularity is not needed

Gospel Thoughts

30th Week : Wednesday

GOSPEL Lk Lk 6:12-19

First Reading - Eph 2:19-22

Feast of Sts Simon and Jude - Apostles and Martyrs

*To become great persons popularity is not needed*

*1)  Unlike Peter, very little is known about St Simon*

Practically nothing is known for certain about the life of this Saint. 

Where he preached the Gospel, where he died, where he suffered martyrdom and even his tomb is unknown

Only the suffix *the Zealot* has been interpreted to mean either that as a lawyer, or he was a member of the party of zealous patriots who were preparing to throw off the rule of the Romans. 

*2) A little more is known about Jude Thaddeus*

He was brother of St James the Less, thus a cousin of our Lord.

He is the author of the last canonical epistle, which *contains strong doctrine in a few lines*

It is believed that he preached the faith mainly in Palestine, later in Persia and Armenia and suffered martyrdom there. 

Since there is a similarities between Judas Iscariot and Jude Thaddeus, he was rarely invoked in prayer.

Even then seeking his intercession was seen as a final resort when all else failed. 

In recent times his popularity is seen as the patron saint of Lost causes.

*3) One is Unknown Another one is little known - But both were Apostles and now saints*

Sainthood and Holiness does not depend on the popularity that one gains. 

Even without popularity one can be really saint. That is what we can gather from the life of St.Simon. 

Some people have wrong notion that the greatness if the person depends on the popularity the person has. But in fact that is not correct

*4) Like all other Apostles Simon has done great works*

There is no doubt that St Simon has done great things in the name of Jesus 

Definitely he has gone to different places to peach the Gospel and finally has died as a martyr. 

With his work, mission and commitment he is not less than any other apostles. 

But only the fact that, things are not known to the rest of the world about his life and mission. 

Ultimately what is important is that one remains committed to the mission of the Lord. That is what St Simon did. 

*5) Great works remains a great even without popularity*

This fact is very clear from the life of Sts Simon and Jude. 

Even without much popularity their work remains as great work in the sight of God. 

*6) Popularity is the Norm of the Day*

We are living in a situation where publicity and popularity is seen as the factors of a success story

If there is no publicity and popularity one feels that there is no use of doing any work 

We are in a situation where some times only publicity and popularity is found but no genuine work and commitment. 

Such a situation is very much increasing in our society today, which we need to be aware of.

*7) What about my life? 

What is the role of publicity and popularity in my life? Do I work for publicity and popularity? 

What is the level of my commitment to the mission even when others do not recognize my selfless mission and service? 

Do I feel that I am a unknown saint?

Will God qualify me to become a unknown saint for his grater glory? 

*Blessed are those who serve the Lord by serving his/her neighbour without any publicity and popularity, theirs is the happiness, peace, kingdom of God and finally the Eternal Life*

*Blessed are those who are not recognized for their service, for they will be recognized by God*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*