Each year on October 28, the Church honors two lesser-known Apostles, Simon the Zealot and Jude Thaddeus. Their names might not appear as often in Scripture as Peter or John, yet their quiet faith continues to echo across centuries, especially in moments when life feels impossible.
For many Catholics, Saint Jude has become a spiritual companion in times of desperation. He’s the Apostle you call on when all the stoplights turn red, the deadlines loom, and hope seems just out of reach. I’ve learned that firsthand.
The Apostle with Many Names
The Gospels refer to him in several ways: “Jude Thaddeus,” “Judas the son of James,” and sometimes “Thaddaeus” alone. In his own short New Testament letter, he simply calls himself “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.”
Pope Benedict XVI reflected on this humble introduction, noting that Jude’s identity wasn’t found in his status as an Apostle but in his relationships—to Christ, to his brother, and to the faith. He was, in every sense, a man of communion.
Have you ever felt that gentle tug on your heart, that whisper in your soul calling you to something greater? Maybe you’ve dismissed it, thinking it couldn’t possibly be for you. But what if I told you that this call is the beginning of the greatest adventure of your life?
As I sit here, reflecting on my own journey of faith, I’m reminded of the countless stories in Scripture and throughout history of ordinary people who said “yes” to an extraordinary calling. From fishermen becoming apostles to a humble nun in Calcutta changing the world with her love, the pattern is clear: God delights in using the unexpected to accomplish the unimaginable.
In our modern world, filled with distractions and comfort, it’s easy to overlook or ignore this divine invitation. We might feel unqualified, unprepared, or simply too busy. But today, I want to challenge you to see sharing the Gospel not as a burden, but as the thrilling adventure it truly is. Let’s explore together why answering this call might just be the most exciting thing you ever do.
The Call
God calls you to follow him. He did this with the first Apostles. Everyone’s calling looks a bit different but it almost always seems to be an interruption of your normal life and routine. I’m currently reading my children The Hobbit before bedtime. Something Gandalf the Wizard said in the opening chapter has prompted me into a deeper reflection of the Good News of Jesus Christ. He tells the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, “I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.”
How true is this when we are evangelizing? Once people realize that Jesus is calling us to a life of service and carrying the cross, it is easy for people to give up the journey or to never begin at all. The Hobbit’s tagline is “An Unexpected Journey”. Our journey of faith is often much like an unexpected journey too.
As Saint Pope John Paul II wisely said, “Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” This adventure, while unexpected and sometimes challenging, is the most fulfilling journey we can embark upon.
Thinking it over
Once the excitement of the call wears off worry and anxiety sets in. “What if I’m not good enough or talented enough or tough enough?”. You might question your worthiness in general. Paralysis by analysis. I totally get it! I have often struggled to act or start the “journey” because of the worry I let in and allowed it to simmer in my mind.
God knows that humans struggle with over analysis and angst. He wants to encourage us and gives us plenty of examples in the Gospel to show how He is trustworthy and to lean on Him. One of my favorite bible verses is from the Epistle of Peter. The saint writes, “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
In moments of doubt, it’s important to remember the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” This greatness often lies just beyond our comfort zone, in the realm of faith and trust in God’s plan.
You gotta just do it
The Nike slogan “Just Do It” is so simple and natural. It’s an effective brand saying because of its applicability to daily life. We see amazing athletes run, leap, and tackle difficulties in their sports. But it’s also a metaphor and practical mantra to take on life’s daily tasks. Wake up without hitting the snooze button. Make your bed before work. Eat your breakfast. These are things we should do and aren’t extraordinary, but they lead to extraordinary results when compounded day after day.
God is inviting you to join Him in sharing the Good News: Jesus died and rose from the dead. He wants to free us from our sins. But you gotta just do it. Jesus’ final words in Matthew’s Gospel were a command: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). In other words, Jesus is saying to just go out and preach the Gospel.
We are called to be bold. Not to hide our light under a basket. But to shine it and share it with others. Light begets more light. When you share your gifts God is generous and increases your gifts exponentially.
I have felt apprehensive about continuing on an adventure God invited me back in 2023. I let fear of failure seep into my heart and mind. Satan wants to sidetrack you and tempt you to give up the adventure altogether.
In these moments of hesitation, I’m reminded of the wisdom of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” This step-by-step approach can help us overcome our fears and doubts, allowing us to grow in our faith journey.
But remember, sharing the Gospel is the greatest adventure in life. It’s a journey that may seem unexpected, filled with challenges and self-doubt, but it’s also one that brings immeasurable joy and fulfillment. Just as Bilbo Baggins found courage he never knew he had, we too can discover strength we never imagined when we step out in faith to share the Good News.
So, are you ready for the adventure? The call has been issued, the journey awaits. It’s time to cast aside your worries, trust in God’s care, and just do it. The world is waiting for the light you have to share.
Editor’s Note: Post originally published May 9th, 2017.
Whenever someone utters the words “breakfast” and “Sunday mornings” together, I immediately picture sizzling bacon, fresh orange juice, crisp toast covered in butter or jelly, and chocolate covered, glazed, or cake donuts. Besides the old adage that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, the reason I bring this topic up is because I was reading through John’s Gospel and I came across a peculiar event that I never truly paid attention to—Jesus grilling!
The Symbolism of Jesus Grilling Fish: A Deeper Look at John 21:1-14
According to John 21:1-14, Jesus appeared to the apostles at the Sea of Tiberias and he is watching them fish. Whether the fourth gospel writer intended to or not I think it is interesting that the miracle of the great catch of fish mirrors a similar miraculous haul in Luke 5:1-11. In John’s version, Peter and the other disciples do not initially recognize Jesus, while in Luke’s account, Jesus had already chosen the apostles.
I believe Jesus’ post-Resurrection miracle in John is a perfected version of the Lucan fish phenomenon because according to Luke 5:6 the apostles nets started to tear in contrast to John 21:11 which states, “So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.”
Upon the apostles arrival at the shore, Jesus says, “Come, have breakfast (John 21:12). With these words the apostles recognized the identity of Jesus. Along with the fish, Jesus took the bread and gave it to them as well. Together with the Emmaus episode in Luke 24:13-35 the taking of bread is a sign of the celebration of the Eucharist!
The Meaning of the 153 Fish Caught
Upon rereading the previous verses about the 153 fish caught, I discovered that this number represents the apostles’ universal mission, according to commentary. St. Jerome claimed that Greek zoologists catalogued 153 species of fish, and John uses fish to symbolize men. This realization highlights our calling to bring lapsed Catholics and non-Catholics to Christ. The apostles’ catch of 153 fish represents bringing all types of men to Jesus. We can only partake of the Eucharistic food after we reconcile with the rest of humanity. Like the apostles we’re invited to a morning meal (in the form of the Mass) with Jesus after their symbolic haul of humanity.
God appears to us in peculiar ways so the next time I am eating breakfast on Sunday morning, maybe I will suggest grilled fish to my wife [we recently bought an outdoor grill]! Be always open to God’s plan no matter how fishy it sounds…or smells.
According to the 20th century Scottish novelist John Buchan, The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” During this first week of Easter I ponder the hope, Jesus infused into the Apostles upon his return. After the apparent defeat on Good Friday, his followers returned to their “day jobs” as fishermen (cf John 21:3). That day began without much hope— they caught nothing after several hours! Appearing at the Sea of Tiberius, Jesus, not yet recognized by the disciples, gave the following advice, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something” (John 21:6). This resulted in the fulfillment of their hope— an overabundance of fish!
Hope in the Hauling
Jesus begin his ministry in Matthew 4:19 with a similar promise of hope— “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Originally, piscators by trade, Christ transforms the Apostles work from a mere day job to a new way of life! After his Resurrection, the first command Jesus gave to the Apostles occurred in Matthew 28:19. Jesus commanded, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Thus, God makes it clear that EVERYONE is called to hear the good news of his Resurrection! I know this may sound cliché, but the example of Peter, James, and John being called by Jesus to become fishers of men is an extremely appropriate and ever applicable way to speak of how we should spread the faith!
While not an expert in fishing, I have a couple family members who fish for a living. A few years ago, my family and I went fishing with my father-in-law. While a lot of things are necessary for fishing, I will highlight only two things that directly apply to evangelization— patience and fishhooks.
Wait for the Big Haul
First, patience is essential to fishing especially when we went because it took over thirty minutes before we caught anything. The same is true for spreading our faith. We must wait and lead others to Christ on God’s time. God is not giving commission-based raises on how many converts we pull in, rather I image God wants us to patiently wait for the right people to be placed in our life that need our help or hooking to lead them to the Catholic Church.
Along with the virtue of patience, fishermen require a fishhook. Without that barbed instrument on the end of the line it would be nearly impossible to hook and capture a fish. Likewise, I tend to see Jesus’ command to be fishers of men (see Matthew 4:19) in a more nuanced way, namely, that we should be the hook that captures people and keeps them on God’s line.
Imagine the greatest evangelists in the history of the Catholic Church: St. Paul, St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi. What did they all have in common? They all suffered from a “barbed past”. Paul murdered Christians. Augustine suffered from sex addiction. Francis came from a miserable family. A fishhook is designed to be sharp and curved at the end to hook a fish’s gums. Similarly, God uses saints with a “barbed” past help Him reel in new people into the Catholic Church.
Catch Everyone!
My challenge to you, my readers, is this: if you sense that God has placed certain people in your life to evangelize to please do not be afraid to do so. The best witness to evangelize our faith is to hear from people that have suffered yet maintained a steadfast faith in God. Do not shy away from a “barbed” or hurtful past. Open yourself up to share your faith story. I truly feel God is calling me to work in a secular workplace to shine forth his truth. As a matter of fact, I had a couple co-workers interested in my faith! I feel called by God to be his “fishhook”. Fishing requires patience. Sometimes our target will slip away because we act too rashly. We must allow God to do most of the reeling in. Christians are merely His evangelical instrument. God is the Divine fisherman!
