Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

So often in scripture the back story of the Apostles is hidden from us. Who they were before coming to Christ is obscure. We are only given hints, tiny glimpses, and from that make educated guesses.

Saints Simon and Jude share a feast day together. This is not because they were martyred together, or even on the same day miles apart. It is because after the resurrection they went on to preach together. Simon first evangelized in Egypt before joining Jude in proclaiming the Gospel throughout Persia and the surrounding area. It is believed that together they brought thousands to the faith. Eventually Simon became the Bishop of Jerusalem. Like many of the early followers of Christ, their deaths were not pleasant nor peaceful. Only Saint John, who remained at the foot of the cross with the women, died a natural death.

Today the bones of Simon and Jude lay in rest together under the main alter of Saint Joseph in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In this way they are forever linked together on earth and in heaven. To be a follower of Christ takes a willingness to sacrifice all for the glory of God. While many are called to sainthood, few are able to endure the monumental forfeiture of self. Today we celebrate two such men with a memorial feast.

Santa Fe Skillet Chicken with Tortillas
2 boneless Chicken Breasts
1/4 large Red Onion
1 Red Bell Pepper
2 Jalapeño Peppers
1/4 cup fresh Cilantro
1 (16 oz) can Mexican Street Corn
1 (16 oz) can Whole Black Beans
2 teaspoons Cumin, divided
2 teaspoon New Mexican Red Chili Powder, divided
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Coriander
1-1/2 tablespoons Spicy Olive Oil
1 (4 oz) can Chopped Hot Jalapeños
1/4 cup crumbled Queso Fresco Cheese
8 Flour Tortillas
Sour Cream as desired

Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, set aside.

Cut a quarter section from a large red onion. Peel and dice onion section. Stem, core and dice both bell and jalapeño peppers. Snip Cilantro. Drain corn. Drain and rinse the black beans, set these aside until ready to use.

In mixing bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of the cumin, 1 teaspoon of the chili powder, the salt and the coriander. Add chicken; stir to coat.

In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink in center. Transfer to plate, and keep warm.

In same skillet, heat remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onions and peppered; cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Stir in corn, beans, diced chilies, cooked chicken, remaining 1 teaspoon cumin and chili powder. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely heated through.

While the skillet chicken simmers, warm the tortillas for serving. Garnish the chicken with cheese and cilantro. Serve straight from the skillet and enjoy.

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You are no longer visitors and new arrivals.
Instead, you are citizens among saints
In the household of God
Ephesians 2:19