The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude celebrates two Apostles whose names remind the Church that the Gospel rests upon Christ’s deliberate choice and commissioning of the Twelve. Ephesians describes believers as members of God’s household, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. Psalm 19 presents creation itself as proclaiming God’s glory, while Luke describes Jesus praying before choosing the Twelve. The Church is therefore both divine and apostolic: Christ calls, Christ sends, and Christ remains the cornerstone. Matthew 16:13–20, Acts 2:42–47, 1 Corinthians 3:9–11, and Revelation 21:10–14 further illuminate the apostolic foundation of the Church.

The apostolic character of the Church is not merely historical. CCC 857–865 teaches that the Church is apostolic because she is founded on the Apostles, continues to be taught and sanctified through their successors, and remains sent into the world. Simon and Jude remind us that Christian faith is received within a community. Catholic discipleship therefore rejects the idea that the believer can detach himself from the Church while retaining the fullness of apostolic Christianity. The Apostles received from Christ and transmitted what they received. The Church continues this living Tradition under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Eucharist manifests this apostolic unity. The same sacramental Christ received by the faithful today is the Christ proclaimed by the Apostles. CCC 1324–1327 teaches that the Eucharist builds and expresses ecclesial communion. Today, give thanks for the apostolic faith handed down through Scripture, Tradition, the teaching office of the Church, and the sacraments. Pray for bishops, priests, missionaries, and all who proclaim the Gospel. Ask also how you can participate in the Church’s apostolic mission through your vocation. Built upon Christ, strengthened by the Eucharist, the Church is sent into the world as a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.