Feast day: October 28
Simon was a Zealot and Judas was the son of James. Zealots were members of a Jewish nationalist group who wanted to bring down Roman rule. Judas is normally referred to as Jude in English, to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot. Other than their names, there are no direct references to Simon and Jude in the rest of the Bible.
Though they are not famous Apostles, Jesus called them and must have loved them—just as he does you. Saint Jude is famous as the patron of impossible cases. When the comedian Danny Thomas found it impossible to find work, he prayed to Saint Jude. When he was given a job, he thanked Saint Jude by founding St. Jude's Children's Hospital for the care of children with cancer. (From Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens [Saint Mary’s Press])
(Image in public domain-100)