A Feast for Two Apostles

While I realize that the true focus of Christian Faith must always be on Jesus Christ, I do wish we knew more about the Apostles. Each was chosen by Jesus for a particular reason. If we knew more about them, perhaps we might understand better why each was selected. What did they have to offer? And we just might be able to see a bit of ourselves in them.

Catholics are reminded to be more Christ-like, for it is through our imitation of Him that we might achieve Sainthood. Becoming a saint is a goal. Not to become God-like, but to humble ourselves to the point of total surrender and sacrifice to serve God alone. There is a big, big difference. Humility is such an important step in achieving greatness. I know, the two contradict one another. To truly be great, we must put others first. Greatness comes from within. When we empty out ourselves in the service to God and to one another, we are filled with true greatness – a unity with God in compassion and love and understanding the depth of which cannot be imagined. I know, I’m not making much sense. It is hard to explain all that is God in the universe.

Today we acknowledge the Feast Day of two of the Chosen Ones, Simon and Jude. Depending upon the translation, Jude was either the brother of or the son of James. This distinction is important. If Jude the Apostle and Jude the brother of James are the same person, then he would be the author of the Epistle of Jude. For Roman Catholics, Saint Jude is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. But then again, nothing is every lost to the Lord.

Simon was also known as Simon the Zealot. Some believe this was in reference to his rigid adherence to Jewish Law or because he once belongs to the Zealots, a radical, sometimes militant, group of Jewish Nationalists. Many believe the title Simon the Zealot was an attempt by others to distinguish him from the Apostle Simon-Peter. Just as James the Less and James the Greater were distinctions.

Both Simon and Jude were martyred for their beliefs and preaching. Simon is thought to have preached the Gospel in Egypt before joining Jude in Persia. We might never know what Jesus saw in the twelve. Just as we might never know what He sees in us. What I do know is that I will forever be grateful that the God who created the entire universe saw fit to also create me. If that isn’t humbling, I don’t know what is.

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What in the world does Cajun cooking have to do with Simon the Zealot or Saint Jude? Nothing, really. Jambalaya made me think “all jumbled up” which is what I feel about all the mysteries of faith sometimes – all jumbled up inside me. Besides, a simple yet delicious supper of meats, grains and vegetables all cooked up in one pot seemed fitting for a feast to honor two of His chosen. Enjoy!

One-Pot Easy Jambalaya
2 boneless chicken Breasts
Cajun Seasoning to taste
12 oz Hot Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 Red Bell Pepper
2 Celery Ribs
3 Garlic Cloves
2 teaspoons Olive Oil
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon Cajun Spice Blend
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1-1/2 cups uncooked White Rice
3 cups Chicken Stock

Cut chicken into bite-size pieces, season with Cajun Seasoning to taste and set aside. Slice sausage on the bias, set aside. Peel onion, dice and set aside. Stem, core and dice bell pepper. Trim and dice celery, peel and mince garlic, set aside.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sausage, sauté until lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add onions, bell peppers, celery and garlic. Season with cayenne, onion powder and Cajun blend, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until onions are tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add rice and chicken stock, stir. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid has cooked away.

Serve straight from the pot and enjoy.

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We praise You, O God,
we acclaim You as Lord;
the glorious company of Apostles praise You