Jesus had a number of disciples. Out of those disciples He chose 12 Apostles.
A disciple is a student who learns from a teacher.
An apostle is sent to deliver those teachings to others. So "apostle" means messenger, he who is sent. An apostle is sent to deliver or spread those teachings to others.
Today we celebrate the feast of two Apostles, St. Simon the Zealot and St. Jude (or Judas son of James)
We may not know much details about the lives of these two Apostles, but we can be certain that they fulfilled their calling as apostles and went forth to proclaim the Good News of salvation.
St. Jude may have a more popular devotion than St. Simon but it reflects the fact that they are apostles and saints regardless of popularity.
They pray for us too in our need and that we will continue the mission of being witnesses to the Good News of salvation.
Let us ask for the prayers of St. Simon and St. Jude that we will be faithful to our Christian calling and always experience the blessings and protection from God.