WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | OCTOBER 28, 2026

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | OCTOBER 28, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/wednesday-of-the-thirtieth-week-in-ordinary-time-october-28-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | OCTOBER 28, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-october-28th/

FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES OF CHRIST, MARTYRS

HISTORY OF THE SAINTS SERIES ON YOUTUBE CHANNEL | https://www.youtube.com/@dailyreflectionswithphilomena

NOVENA TO SAINT JUDE: REMINDER – The Novena to Saint Jude is scheduled to begins October 19th, and end on October 27th in preparation for his Feast day on October 28th. Novena to Saint Jude is prayed for Desperate Situations and Desperate Cases—especially for an end to war and terrorism. Prayed anytime of year, especially October 19–27th | Novena link below | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-saint-jude/

👉🏾 Watch the YouTube Video of Saint Simon the Zealot, and Saint Jude Thaddeus Here |

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | October 28, 2026 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-october-28-2026/

🎀 OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 🎀

🎥 Watch the full Breast Cancer Awareness video:
https://youtu.be/h4qd-vY6Q0s?si=DogHjMVK682d1uxz

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles. Chosen directly by Christ after a night of intense prayer, as recorded in today’s Gospel, these two devotionally revered Apostles carried the light of the Gospel to foreign lands, laying down their lives in martyrdom in Persia. Saint Jude Thaddeus the “Apostle of the Impossible” reminds us to persevere through life’s most desperate trials, while Saint Simon the Zealot inspires us with his passionate, burning devotion to the honor of Christ. As Saint Paul proclaims in the First Reading, their apostolic witness forms the very foundation upon which we are built together as fellow citizens of the saints, forming a living, holy temple in the Lord.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles | Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Reading 1: Ephesians 2:19-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5
Gospel: Luke 6:12-16

Gospel Reading ~ Luke 6:12-16

“Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

Today the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, two of the twelve Apostles chosen directly by our Lord to be foundation stones of His Church. In the Gospel, we see Jesus spending the entire night in communion with the Father before making the critical decision to choose His Twelve Apostles. From a vast crowd of disciples, He calls these men by name, equipping them to carry the light of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Simon the Zealot and Jude Thaddeus (Judas the son of James) were men of different backgrounds and temperaments, yet they were united in their passionate commitment to Christ and their willingness to give their lives for the faith.

In the First Reading, Saint Paul reminds us of the grandeur of the spiritual home we inhabit through the witness of these holy men. We are no longer strangers or foreign sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s own household. This spiritual household is built upon the solid foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the capstone. Through Him, every believer is linked together to form a living temple sacred to the Lord, inhabited by the Holy Spirit. As the Responsorial Psalm magnificently proclaims: “Their message goes out through all the earth… and to the ends of the world, their message.”

Today, let us reflect on our place within the living structure of the Church. Are we anchoring our daily lives on the apostolic faith handed down to us, allowing ourselves to be built into a holy temple for God’s Spirit? How can you live out your apostolic calling today by sharing the message of Christ’s hope and truth with someone in your community?

Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for the glorious company of the Apostles, especially Saints Simon and Jude, whose courageous witness laid the foundation of Your Church. Forgive us for the times we have forgotten our high calling as members of Your household or failed to proclaim Your truth. Build us together in faith, rooted in Christ our capstone, and fill us with the Holy Spirit so that our lives may declare Your glory to the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | OCTOBER 28TH:

Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Simon the Zealot, and Saint Jude Thaddeus | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-october-28th/

SAINT SIMON THE ZEALOT: Saint Simon, known as “the Zealot,” was distinguished by his ardent love for God and unwavering zeal for righteousness. His title may refer to his belonging to the Zealot movement, a group of Jews fervently devoted to God’s law, or simply to his passionate commitment to the faith. After Pentecost, tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in Egypt, Persia, and Armenia, often alongside Saint Jude. Together, they faced fierce persecution but remained fearless in proclaiming Christ. Saint Simon’s martyrdom is described in varying accounts: some say he was sawn in half, while others record a peaceful death in Edessa. Regardless of the manner, his life bore witness to unyielding faith and devotion. His symbol, a saw, reminds us that discipleship requires both courage and endurance. Saint Simon’s missionary spirit challenges us to live our faith with passion, to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14), and to persevere in love even amid trials.

PRAYER: O holy Apostle Saint Simon, fervent disciple of the Lord, whose zeal for Christ inspired your every action, obtain for us a share in your burning love for God. Strengthen our resolve to live the Gospel with integrity and to witness to Christ in word and deed. Through your prayers, may our lives become instruments of faith and compassion in a world in need of God’s truth. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT JUDE THADDEUS: Saint Jude Thaddeus, one of the Twelve Apostles and a relative of Jesus Christ, was the brother of Saint James the Less and a faithful servant of the Gospel. His name “Thaddeus” means “heart” or “courageous,” reflecting his bold devotion to Christ. Ancient tradition tells us that Saint Jude preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Mesopotamia, and Libya, performing miracles and converting many to the faith. He authored the short but powerful Epistle of Jude, warning believers against false teachers and urging perseverance in faith. He is remembered for his question to Jesus at the Last Supper: “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” (John 14:22). Saint Jude suffered martyrdom, beaten with clubs and beheaded in Persia, after a lifetime of preaching Christ crucified. Because of his epistle’s message of faith amid despair, he became known as the patron of desperate and lost causes, a beacon of hope for those who feel forgotten or helpless. His relics are venerated in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, at Rheims, and at Toulouse. Through his intercession, countless souls have found comfort and miracles in moments of darkness.

PRAYER: O glorious Saint Jude Thaddeus, Apostle and faithful servant of Jesus, you are the helper of those in hopeless cases and the comforter of the afflicted. Intercede for us in our trials, strengthen our faith in God’s providence, and obtain for us the grace to trust in Christ’s mercy even in life’s darkest hours. Through your prayers, may we never lose hope in the love of God. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Simon the Zealot, and Saint Jude Thaddeus pray for us, that we may remain firm in faith, joyful in hope, and steadfast in love. Through your intercession, may we proclaim Christ courageously and persevere until the end. Amen. 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside Saint Simon the Zealot and Saint Jude Thaddeus, we also honor: SAINT ABRAHAM, SAINT AFRICANUS, SAINT ANASTASIA II, SAINT ANGLINUS, SAINT EADSIN, SAINT FARO, SAINT FERRUTIUS, SAINT FIDELIS OF COMO, SAINT GODWIN, SAINT HONORATUS OF VERCELLI, SAINT JOACHIM ROYO, SAINT JOHN DAT, SAINT REMIGIUS, SAINT RODRIGO AGUILAR ALEMÁN, AND SAINT SALVIUS. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR DESPERATE AND IMPOSSIBLE CAUSES, HOSPITALS, HEALTHCARE WORKERS, TANNERS, SAWYERS, AND APOSTOLIC ZEAL

Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for calling Saints Simon and Jude to be foundation stones of Your holy Church. Through the powerful intercession of Saint Jude Thaddeus, patron of hopeless and impossible causes, lost causes, hospital workers, and hospitals, we bring before You all who are in severe distress, the sick, the forgotten, and those facing impossible circumstances, asking for Your miraculous relief and strength. Through Saint Simon the Zealot, patron of tanners, curriers, sawyers, and sawmen, bless all manual workers and artisans, and grant us a holy, unyielding zeal for Your divine honor. Unify us as members of Your household, rooted in Christ our capstone, and make our lives a living temple sacred to Your Holy Spirit. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Simon the Zealot, Saint Jude Thaddeus, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER: For mental health ministry. Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF OCTOBER | MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY: October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, a powerful prayer that draws us into the heart of the Gospel through the eyes of Mary. The Rosary is more than repetition, it is a meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, united with the loving presence of His Blessed Mother. As Pope St. John Paul II reminded us, the Rosary is “a compendium of the Gospel,” helping us to contemplate Christ’s face with Mary.

The twenty mysteries of the Rosary, Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous, invite us to journey with Christ from His Incarnation to His Passion and His triumph over death. Each mystery opens us to God’s saving love, strengthens our faith, and leads us to imitate the virtues of Jesus and Mary in our daily lives. This month, the Church invites us to renew our devotion to the Rosary by praying it daily, whether alone, in families, or in community. Through it, we find peace in times of trial, strength against temptation, and deeper trust in God’s providence. Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, intercedes for us and leads us always to her Son.

“O Mary, our Blessed Mother and Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, teach us to pray with a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. As we meditate on the mysteries of Christ, help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Intercede for us before your Son, that our families, our Church, and our world may be filled with peace and the light of the Gospel. Amen.” 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=10

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏾

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/

DAILY PRAYERS: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer; Angelus Prayer; and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/st-michael-the-archangel-prayer-angelus-prayer-and-the-chaplet-of-divine-mercy-prayer-2/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/