Meditations and Devotions on the Festival of St Simon and Jude

Summary

There is little mention of S Simon and Jude in the Gospel : but that they were present at all Places and Times wherin the rest of the Apostles were with our Savior, and that they were truly Apostles appears by this, that they were always numbered with them.

They were the Sons of Alphaus and Mary Cleophas ; and Brethren to S James the less, and to Joseph the Just. Simon was called Cananeus for that he was born in Cana of Galilee. And som think, that he was called by S. Luke Zelotes in the Greek Tongue, for that Cana in Hebrew is by Interpretation is Zealous : tho som imagine Simon Zelotes to be another person. A Sir-name was requisite to Distinguish him from Peter, who was also called Simon. As Judas was sirnamed Thaddaus, to make him known from Judas Iscariot.

These Holy Apostles were united not in Nature only but Grace. And were one in faith, one in Spirit, one in Lov. For the better Propagation of the faith they were joyned together, that they might be helpfull and Assisting to each other : As also to shew how much our Savior Delights in Amitie, and loveth Unitie. He called these in Pairs, as he did Andrew and Peter, James and John : And Our Church Commemorats in Pairs to Express their Union, and to fill the Festival with Double Lustre. By this Means also to contract the Festivals into fewer Numbers, that so neither the Glorious Apostles and Stars of our Church may be neglected, nor She overburdened with Multitudes of Holy Days. Twere Sweet indeed if evry Day might be a Perpetual Sabbath, and all the yeer a Succession of Holy Days, that nothing but Rest, and Joy, and Triumph, and Praises and Holy Gladness might fill our Lives. but this not Consisting with our Earthly Estate, she complieth with Necessity, and yet Omits not her Duty : Holding such an Even Proportion in all Her Orders, that her Wisdom shineth in a Golden Mean. For as Vertues are by Temperance Acted and Acquired and turn then into Vice, when they incline to an Extreme ; So Sabbaths and Festivals are made Vertuous, Profitable and not Destructiv, Efficacious to Pietie, Beautifull and Amiable, when they are Competent in Number and fitly Dispersed.