NEGOTIATING HELL: a sequel to CS Lewis' "Screwtape Letters." Ch 10 - Bail-out Prayers
Jesus called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose 12, whom he also named apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas [Jude] the son of James,
& Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
-Luke 6:13–16
Two Mystery Bishops.
Jesus chose a variety of men to ignite His church. He was seeking a mix of cultures, ideologies and social classes to unite all peoples, backgrounds and experiences. Every Catholic bishop, priest, and deacon is a spiritual descendant of the 12 apostles. Little is known of these 2 saints because of these veiled verses: Matthew 10:2–4; Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:13–16; Acts 1:13 and John 14:22.
Beware of AI.
After a literature search, here are some breadcrumbs for the soul. However, you must decide what to believe--bon appetite!
Modern Thinkers.
Two other Gospels mention Sts Simon and Jude as Jesus’ brothers. “Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas [Jude],” as found in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3. Biblical scholars today, depict them as cousins as in those days, cousins were called brothers or sisters. Meanwhile, St Jude is thought to be the patron of hopeless causes for 2 reasons.
Which is better: the movie or the book?
Here is witnessed evidence of their miracles from Passion of Simon and Jude, allegedly written by one of the bishops they ordained.
Two Heavenly Crowns.
In the year 65 AD, St Simon was believed to have been sawed in half. St Jude was believed to have been beaten with a club. This evolved from ancient art which depicts them each holding the instruments of their deaths. Other traditions state they preached in Beirut, Lebanon, Roman Britain, Egypt, and/or Samaria and died by arrows, crucifixion, and even a peaceful death.
Whether truth or legend, we honor these Apostles for building the early Church. As bishops, they bore the sacred responsibility of transferring the Sacraments and Magisterium. One day in heaven, we will know of all their pastoral ministry. Meanwhile, they used their lives to give glory to God while winning souls for Christ. Their combined feast day is October 28.
Sts Simon and Jude, you were both privileged to have Jesus in person.
After His Ascension, you received the Holy Spirit and were ordained as bishops.
God used you to go make disciples to the ends of the earth.
Please pray for us, that we understand our mission within the Body of Christ
and will fulfill our duties with diligence and love.
Sts Simon and Jude, pray for us.
Jesus, we trust in You.
Sources:
Passion of Simon and Jude – NASSCAL
Simon and Jude Thaddeus | Catholic365
Sts Simon and Jude, Apostles | My Catholic Life!
The Spear of Destiny: the Passion of St Simon and St Jude | IMDb