Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, two of the most important figures in the early Church. As we reflect on their lives, we are reminded of the power of faith, hope, and love and the great wonders God worked through them and the wonders he will work through us, through these gifts.
The first reading from Acts 12:1-11 tells the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison in Jerusalem. Peter was arrested by King Herod Agrippa and put in prison, awaiting his execution after he had James, the first appointed bishop there, beheaded. But God had other plans for Peter. An angel appeared to him in his cell, freed him from his chains, and led him to freedom. Peter was amazed and grateful for this incredible rescue, exclaiming, "Now I know that the Lord is really doing something new!" Yet, an often-overlooked detail of this story is the role of the angel. The risen Lord, many times appeared to people after his resurrection, but in this instance, he sends an angel. This is interesting in how God brings angels and men together in allowing them to participate in his great plan. So
many beautiful inquiries come to mind: Out of the myriads and myriads of angels, who was this one angel sent to Peter? To which choir did he belong? When God sends an angel entrusted with any given task, what does the communication of that task look like? How does God communicate with his angels, in other words? Are words imparted, or is it something more akin to telepathic communication? You see, my brothers and sisters, there is just so much more to the world of heaven then our imagination can possibly fathom. If we remain faithful, like Peter and Paul, we too shall be witnesses to these incredible things which speak of the holiness and goodness of God, our Father. And how much more beautiful can they be, when through such gifts, God helps us through a difficult time?
This first reading reminds us that even in the darkest of times, God is always working behind the scenes. Peter's experience teaches us to trust in God's power and providence, even when circumstances seem hopeless. As Saint Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, "All there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me...I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith."
In the Gospel reading from Matthew 16:13-19, Jesus reveals to Peter that he will be the rock upon which he will build his Church. Jesus says, "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church...And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." This passage reminds us that we are all called to be part of an ecclesial community which belongs to God, was initiated by him, and not by a man, and that he builds this Church through his chosen sons and daughters, some of whom are called to be pillars, yet one alone was to be God’s “rock”, Peter… and anyone who would succeed him in that office as Prince of the Apostles. Yet, the authority Jesus conferred on Peter and all the apostles and their successors, was one of service, and not one of dominance or sovereignty.
Elsewhere in the gospel, we are told that “Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” Matthew 20:25,26. The greatest title of the Supreme Pontiff, the Successor of Peter, the Pope has always been, and will always be: Servant of the Servants of God.
As we celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, we are reminded of their unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the Gospel. They were both examples of courage and perseverance, facing numerous challenges and hardships with faith and hope, but where they shined the most, was their spirit of service and laying down their lives for the good of the people entrusted into their spiritual care.
In a world that can often be steeped in selfish ambition, we are called to emulate their example. We are called to trust in God's power and providence, to be the living stones upon which Jesus continues to solidify his Church. We are called to be beacons of hope and light in a world that needs it.
As we conclude our reflection today, let us reflect on these words from Saint Paul in our second reading: "The Lord stood by me and gave me power...and so I was rescued from the lion's mouth." May we too experience God's power and protection in our own lives. May we be filled with faith, hope, and love as we journey through this world. And may we always remember that no matter what challenges we face, God is always working behind the scenes to bring us closer to himself. Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us.
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