We know Simon, through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as a zealot. 

Zealots were Jews who were extreme in their beliefs about Jewish freedom and independence from any nation and who, in their zeal, were not shy about spilling blood among the Romans and even other Jews. 

It was their rebellion against Rome that led to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. 

But when Simon met Jesus he changed. He was still passionate in his belief, but his belief was now in Jesus as The Son of God, and after receiving the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, he went out to preach in Egypt and then met up with Jude to evangelize in Persia and Armenia where both are believed to have been martyred. 

We meet Jude through Luke in Acts, but Matthew and Mark call him Thaddeus. 

He is the brother of St. James the Lesser and a nephew of The Blessed Mother. 

In his Epistle, which is just one chapter long, and the last thing we’ll read in the New Testament before the Book of Revelation, Jude encourages Christians who find themselves in a culture of darkness, saying, in verses 18 through 22: 

“In the last time, there will be scoffers who will live according to their own Godless desires. These are the ones who cause divisions. They live on the natural plane, devoid of the Spirit. But you beloved, build yourselves up in your most Holy faith. Pray in The Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the Love of God and wait for the Mercy of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, that leads to eternal life. On those who waver have Mercy.”

St. Simon and St. Jude, please pray for us.