The names of Simon and Jude are always placed together in the New Testament lists of the Apostles. This gives the reason for celebrating them together in one feast. We know almost nothing about them. It is possible that they knew each other before they encountered Jesus, but we have no way of knowing. What we do know about them is the only important thing: Jesus chose them as Apostles, members of his founding community, the Twelve. All other information which we might gather about them is no longer significant beside the grace of their vocation and the companionship which they enjoyed with Jesus and hence with each other.

In his Letters to the Corinthians, Paul reflects on the mystery of God's choice. God has chosen the unknown people of the world, those without great social or historical significance. Paul's words are almost a meditation of Jesus' choice of his Apostles. Here is a consolation for us. Whether the world knows us or not is not important. What is important is that God has chosen us, called us into being, called us again to know his Son Jesus, and will finally call us to go beyond death in the resurrection in union with Jesus.