I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1–6 (RSV)
The Feast of SS Simon & Jude.
I am not sure who decides these things, but October is supposed to be Pastor Appreciation Month. I can affirm that it is not on the liturgical calendar. That said, the Feast of SS Simon and Jude is an excellent example of those who take on the mantel of pastoral ministry.
Simon and Jude were among the twelve called by Jesus. Simon is often known as Simon the Zealot. He had belonged to the messianic faction within Judaism that sought the coming of the Messiah. They saw this as a sign that all Israel would rise, cast out the Romans, and establish true worship in the Temple.
Jude, also known as Judas Thaddeus, to not be confused with Judas Iscariot, is less well known. While he is listed among the disciples, we have little more than that. It is within the tradition of the Church that Simon and Jude traveled together following the resurrection.
As eyewitnesses of the Risen Jesus, they proclaimed the Gospel of Salvation in His Name, bringing many to our Lord. They were martyred for their faith in Christ in Beirut on the same day.
We honor SS Simon and Jude, not for their fame, the vast library of writings, or wondrous miracles wrought at their hands. We honor them for their faithfulness to the Gospel. We honor their willingness to die for the sake of our Lord. We honor them as being faithful pastors of the young Church.
Thus, we could say that Pastor Appreciation Month took its inspiration from these faithful servants of Christ. SS Simon and Jude labored not for fame or recognition. They preached Christ and salvation in His name. We celebrate the Feast of SS Simon and Jude, faithful pastors of the Church.
Think back over your life in Christ, recall the pastors God has sent your way, and give thanks for them all. Give thanks for those who touched you with the love of God, for those who challenged you spiritually, and for those who were not all they could be. In one way or another, the Spirit made use of them to lead us deeper into the love of the Father.