Have You Ever Heard of St Simeon the Holy Fool?

Both he and a companion, St. John of Edessa, were celebrated yesterday, the 21st.

From Aleteia

By Philip Kosloski

St. Simeon was a "fool for Christ," a holy hermit who was "foolish" in the eyes of the world.

While the Church often gives illustrious titles to various saints, such as naming them Doctors of the Church, there are certain saints who are given very unique titles that appear, well, foolish.

In fact, there is a whole category of saints who are called "holy fools," such as St. Simeon the Holy Fool.

It may seem like a strange title, but when comparing their lives to the ways of the world, it makes complete sense why a saint would be named a, "fool."

Holy Fool

The Roman Martyrology provides a brief presentation of St. Simeon and his unique title on his feast day of July 21:

Near Homs in Syria, Saint Simeon the Holy Fool, who, moved by the Holy Spirit, wished to be considered foolish for Christ and despised among men.

Generally speaking to be named a fool is something negative, as Jesus speaks often about the foolishness of living a lifestyle in line with the world's values.

Yet, on the flip side, what is foolish in the eyes of the world is often just what we are called to do -- living a life according to the Gospel.

St. Paul writes about this in his Letter to the Corinthians:

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. (1 Corinthians 4:9-11)

This perfectly summarizes the life of St. Simeon, who was very "foolish," living a radical life in union with Jesus Christ.

St. Simeon abandoned the world to live as a hermit in the desert, and was often the laughing-stock of those who saw him in the city. He did not make excuses for himself or try to put on a good face for everyone. He was simply himself, sharing the Gospel with anyone who would listen.

St. Simeon also did some very odd and strange things when sharing the Gospel, using unconventional methods that would likely shock our modern ears.

In many ways he was similar to St. Francis of Assisi, who was not wise in the ways of the world, but was a "fool for Christ's sake," giving-up everything and leading a life of complete poverty.

Sometimes the key to knowing if we are living a Christian life is if the world would label us as a fool.