not only to me

Acts 12:1-11; Ps 34 The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him; 2 tim 4:6-8,17-18; Mt 16:13-19

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, the two pillars of the church that led the way of preaching and living the faith boldly, thus leading by example.

It is because of their ministry and their deaths in Rome that the Church is called the Roman Catholic Church.  From Rome, the church spread outward as the light of Christ shone brightly in their heroic sacrifice of imitating the Savior himself in shedding their blood.


Words from Pope Benedict:
"the weakness proper to human beings is revealed in Peter's ministry but, at the same time also GOd's power: in weakness of human beings itself the Lord shows his strength; he demonstrates that it is through frail human beings that he himself builds his church."


We could say the same for Paul.
The ministry and Peter and Paul is not rooted in their ability but rather in the call they received in Christ.   In the gift of hearing the voice of CHrist, Peter and Paul become the principle apostles for the church.

This call is the source of their strength because it comes from the one who journeys to Jerusalem, the one who becomes the true servant of GOd in suffering and death and resurrection.

The light of his words and the presence of his love shines forth in the world and it does so through the weaknesses of St. Peter and St. Paul.


Look at the two great pillars for the Church and Christian faith:

Simon becomes Peter which mean the rock.  He was a fisherman and was a bit hasty who eventually denied knowing Christ three times and eventually repents and becomes the leader of the band of the Apostles after the resurrection and Ascension.

Saul becomes Paul who becomes the great missionary.  He was a tent maker by trade.  He started out as a bitter opponent to the Christian movement, vehemently against them, as well as, seeking to drag them to jail.  After his conversion he became the witness to the nations.

The unlikeliest choices but the ones Christ chose.

"I have competed well; I have finished the race; i have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance."

Do you long for his appearance?

The life you lead reveals your deepest longing!

The crown awaits, do you want it?