Readings
I - Acts 12: 1-11
II - 2 Tim. 4: 6-8, 17-18
III - Mt. 16: 13-19
PETER AND PAUL, Apostles (Solemnity)
Today the Church solemnises the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, the pillars of the Church. Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a Jewish fanatic. Peter did not have much for his credential while Paul was a learned Jew hailing from a sophisticated family. God chose both of them with a special mission for each of them: Peter to be the leader of the Church and the apostle to the Jews and Paul to be the apostle of the Gentiles. But both of them were ardent apostles, vehement preachers of the Good News, and above all courageous martyrs for Christ. They proclaimed Christ convincingly that it infuriated the religious leaders who instigated the government officials to get away with them. As a result, St. Peter was crucified upside down and St. Paul was beheaded. Both of them endured all hardships with a hope of an eternal crown of glory that awaited them in Paradise.
Peter convincingly says, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn. 6:68). Paul daringly declares, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Let the celebration of the feast help us to stand by the Word of the Lord and live by the example of the legendry Christian living of St. Paul. The day is also celebrated as Pope’s Day. Offer generous prayers for our Holy Father Pope Francis and the Church as well. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer, “Lord Jesus, bless our Church and bless our Pope”.
