Readings
I - 1 Macc. 2: 15-29
II - Lk. 19: 41-44
Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul (Feast)
RECONGNISE THE LORD AS HE COMES TO VISIT US
There is a church called ‘Dominus Flevit’ in Jerusalem where Jesus wept looking over Jerusalem. The entire Jerusalem can be captured from this view point. Jerusalem, the city of God failed to recognise God’s visitation in the Promised one for whom so long it waited. Had the people of Jerusalem recognised Him, they would have been gathered in Jesus as the hen would its chicken (Mt. 23:37). They failed and that was the cause of its destruction.
Today the church celebrates the feast of the dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul. Peter recognised Jesus in the might catch (Lk. 5:1-11) and Paul in his Damascus experience (Acts.9: 1-8). They recognised him rightly, followed him passionately and offered themselves willingly as martyrs for their faith in the Risen Lord. To mark the heroism of the two giants and the pillars of the Church, basilicas are dedicated for them in their name as the glory of the Lord.
We are the temple of God (1Cor. 6:19). Miss not the moments when Christ comes to visit us through the Scripture, persons and events. Recognising and living for him is glory to Him. May St. Peter and St. Paul, like them, help us to glorify the Lord through our lives. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Saints Peter and Paul pray for us”.
