Scripture Reflection - June 29 - Solemnity Saint Peter & Saint Paul
by Father Brian
Readings: Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34; 2 Tim 4:6-8,17-18; Matthew 16:13-19
Today we honor two apostles, both killed in Rome but on different dates.
QUESTION: Why does the Church choose one date to celebrate their deaths? (St. Augustine suggests it is a way to honour their oneness in following Jesus, Paul to the Gentiles and Peter to the Jews: we are all one, children of the same Father, with a great variety of gifts to serve ...)
The first reading tells us about Peter being miraculous freed from Herod’s prison. We are told that Herod was killing and jailing people associated with the Church because it would please his followers. He wanted to demonstrate his power. But the security measures were no match for an angel.
QUESTION: What have I done lately simply to please other people? (Things done solely out of human respect may often not earn divine respect.)
QUESTION: Where or in whom do I place my security? (Lacking a moral compass, we can become fickle, empty and dissatisfied.) People-pleasing leads to fleeting success. Seeking approval while ignoring the right thing sadly persists across the ages and across all sectors of society. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul senses that his martyrdom is near. He uses a metaphor: “fighting the good fight, finishing the race … and receiving a crown.” This should resonate will all of us: we train hard – we pray, we fast, we do charitable deeds – we live our faith and we experience satisfaction, the reward of our faith. That crown is not meant for one winner; it is awarded to all who run well. Paul remains confident, though he senses the end may be near. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly Kingdom.” True even though he did not escape death.
QUESTION: In the face of our own difficulties, can we persevere? The Gospel is the memorable exchange between Jesus and Peter: “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus promises to build his enduring Church on the “Rock”. The Church in Acts was the object of Herod’s wrath. But the Church continues to grow despite hardship and threats. Can you imagine how the apostles must have felt when they recalled Jesus’ words during events unfolding in their day?
QUESTION: How do we feel about the Church with the unfolding of events in our own day – for example, the fiasco of the Indian Residential Schools? Do we have the same sense of wonder about the persistence of the Church in our day, the Church that is still being guided by the Spirit of Jesus? Blessings. Fr. Brian