Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

     This weekend we have a rare treat because the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul falls on a Sunday. In some parts of the world this feast is a holy day of obligation. This feast has ancient roots. As noted in an article by the Catholic News Agency, “As early as the year 258, there is evidence of an already lengthy tradition of celebrating the solemnities of both Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the same day.” 

     These two Apostles had a profound impact in their time and continue to inspire us to this day. The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles reveal Peter as a man of great heart but also with many flaws. Simon, bar Jonah, along with his brother, Andrew, were among the first whom Jesus called to follow him (Matthew 4:18-20). Peter was the first to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-21). In consequence, Jesus gave him the name of Cephas, Peter, (John 1:42; Matthew 16:18-20) signifying that he would be “the rock upon which I will build my church.” Yet not long after this affirmation Jesus had to rebuke Peter for trying to deter him from his mission with the words: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do” (Matthew 16:21-23).

    When many disciples left Jesus after his teaching that he himself was the Bread of Life, Peter chose to remain with the ringing proclamation, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:67-69). Peter experienced the miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11) and saw Jesus walking on the water, at which point he dared to get out of the boat but panicked and began flailing. His cry then is one at times we all have on our own lips: “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:22-33). Initially, Peter re fused to let Jesus wash his feet at the Last Supper (John 13:1-11). Of course, we all know Peter’s foolish boast that he would always be there for the Lord and the prediction of Jesus that Peter would three times deny him (Matthew 26:31 35; Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22: 31-34). Ultimately, Peter repented in tears, was one of the first to see the Risen Lord, ex pressed his love three times, and proclaimed Jesus boldly at Pentecost. Even though for the most part Peter no longer allowed his fears to rule him, there was an occasion where he acted out of fear and Paul had to confront him (Galatians 2:11-21).

     Saul of Tarsus (Roman name, Paul) was a zealous Jew who persecuted the early Church and was complicit in the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 8:1-3). He then encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and his life was forever trans formed (Acts 9:1-30). He became the great missionary, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Both were martyred in Rome (Peter in approximately 64 AD and Paul approximately 67 AD) for their commitment to Jesus.

      On this feast day, you might consider reading the First Letter of Peter (only five chapters long) or some passages from the Acts of the Apostles centering on St. Paul (particularly Acts 7:54 – 8:3 and the story of his conversion, 9:1-30).

      On Tuesday of this week we welcome our new Associate Pastor, Father Emmanuel Sanchez. You will find a brief bio of him in this bulletin.

     Jesus, who chose to build your Church on the rock of Peter and his successors, shower us with your love and strength. Dearest Mary, our beloved Mother, help us to live with the faith, hope and love we see in Saints Peter and Paul.