October 28, Sts. Simon and Jude

Their message goes out through all the earth.--Psalm 19:5

Mass readings: Ephesians 2:19-22 / Luke 6:12-16

Learning to Share

One obvious but easily overlooked lesson from today's feast of St. Simon and St. Jude? You may have been one of the original Twelve, chosen by Jesus but . . . you still don't get a feast day all to yourself like some of the other apostles do. (In today's Gospel they're listed 10th and 11th. Only Judas, the ''traitor,'' comes after them.) Even if you're an apostle, sometimes you have to share. Or, perhaps more correctly, especially if you're an apostle, sometimes you have to share.

And sharing, like many virtuous acts, takes practice. We may have little flashes of selflessness as a young child but, being human, we learn to say ''Mine, mine, mine!'' at a tender age. Simply put, sharing doesn't come naturally. It comes supernaturally. With the grace of God.

Prayer: Jesus, give me the grace to share.