Readings: Acts 12:1-11, Ps. 34:2-9, 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18, Matthew 16:13-19
“I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Today, the Church celebrates two great saints who were instrumental in the Church’s growth and development in its early years. As to why these two saints are celebrated together, the church wishes to teach us a lesson: Being a leader does not make you higher (or superior) than your followers.
Today’s Solemnity also challenges us to be the best version of ourselves as we strive to follow Christ’s footsteps on earth. Peter and Paul have long since passed away, but their legacies continue to shine. Our time on earth is relatively short, but our impact can last for eternity. Let us now examine some lessons contained in today’s readings:
1. God Doesn’t Call the Qualified (or Proud); But Transforms Those Who Say “Yes” to His Call
As a man, Peter was weak; he wasn’t even qualified to be among the twelve apostles, not to mention being a leader of the church. Peter’s choice is a testament to the saying: “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong...” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Jesus gladly entrusted the keys of leadership to Peter, despite Peter’s weaknesses, to show us that the church’s sustenance does not depend on strong men but on God.
Even after receiving the keys, Peter remained fully human; he tried to discourage Jesus from the cross (this made Jesus address him as Satan), he spoke without thinking, he denied Jesus three times, he returned to fishing after the resurrection, and he displayed a hypocritical attitude warranting Paul to rebuke him publicly. (cf. Galatians 2:11-14).
To this day, the church is not sustained by the human qualities of the Pope (who is capable of making mistakes), but by God himself. Do you feel called by God? Do not be discouraged by your weaknesses – focus instead on God and make yourself available. He will use you to do great wonders.
2. Every Saint Had a Past; Every Sinner Has a Future
Like Peter, Paul wasn’t perfect. Here is a man who supervised the death of the first Christian martyr, Stephen. (Acts 7:58). A man who went about dragging Christians out of their homes, forcing them to either renounce Christ or go to prison. (Acts 8:3). A man who was determined to wipe out (abort) Christianity while it was still in the womb—a man who was responsible for the flight of many Christians out of Jerusalem.
The fact that we are celebrating this same man today tells us that there is no sin God cannot forgive. Have you had a terrible past? It is not too late to seek God’s face. Ordination to the priesthood or consecration to religious life does not remove our humanity or concupiscence.
3. The Christian life is all about fighting the Good Fight and running the Race of Salvation
In today’s second reading, St. Paul summarises the Christian life when he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” What is the good fight? It is the fight against the flesh and its craving for sin. The good fight also involves wrestling against the forces of darkness, principalities and powers in our world.
St. Paul recommends that we put on the whole armour of God, which includes truth, righteousness as a breastplate, the gospel of peace, faith as a shield, salvation as a helmet, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:12-17). As Christians, we are soldiers fully equipped to fight spiritual battles at any time.
On the other hand, the Christian life is also a race that requires constant training, dedication, and commitment. As St. Paul says, “Do you not know that in a race, all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it…” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
4. While The Fight and Race May Seem Unending, Victory Is Assured
Finally, today’s first reading and even our second reading teach us that despite the many challenges and trials we face as Christians, we are not helpless. God has not and will never abandon us. Writing to Timothy, St. Paul testifies, “But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So, I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:17-18)
After killing James, the brother of John, Herod arrested Peter, intending to bring him to trial to make fun of him publicly, but the Christian community joined hands in prayer for Peter, and God set him free that night. Peter thought he was seeing a vision, not knowing everything was real. This shows us that God answers prayers.
Peter and Paul experienced many victories in their lives, but their ultimate victory came when they accepted martyrdom. Tradition suggests Peter requested crucifixion upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. Paul, being a Roman citizen, could not be crucified and was instead beheaded. Do not let the fear of death prevent you from testifying to your Christian faith.
Let us pray: O God, who on the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul give us the noble and holy joy of this day, grant, we pray, that your Church may in all things follow the teaching of those through whom she received the beginnings of right religion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Acts 12:1-11, Ps. 34:2-9, 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18, Matthew 16:13-19)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu