J.M.J. Both Saint Peter and Saint Paul were outstanding followers of Jesus.
You may be especially attracted to Saint Peter, the fisherman who became
the first Pope. Or you may find yourself more allured by Saint Paul, the
former persecutor of Christians and prolific author who preached in many
places throughout Palestine.
But you cannot go wrong whether your favorite is Saint Peter or Saint Paul. Both traveled the same road—the only
road—that leads to Christ, even though Peter had his own “lane” and
Paul had his. But the direction was the same: to Jesus Christ Our Lord.
These two great Apostles and Martyrs proclaimed Jesus even to being
imprisoned for the sake of His Holy Name and to the spilling of their
blood. They courageously laid down their lives for Christ and His Holy
Gospel.
The Universal Church as a whole and each individual member of the
Church are firmly indebted to Saints Peter and Paul. We continue to
benefit enormously from their heavenly intercession and good example.
Simon Peter was fearless when responding to the question posed by
Jesus: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter sincerely replied without
hesitation: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Although
Peter would stumble later, shortly before the Crucifixion of Jesus, here
he was surefooted. Such an insight from Peter can only come from God.
Paul was unafraid, whether speaking before naysayers and outright
enemies of the Cross of Jesus or locked behind the jailhouse door. Paul
knew that he had been “poured out like a libation”—he had spent himself
in service to Christ and His Church. Paul expected that he and the
others who faithfully labored in the vineyard of the Lord would be
rewarded for their efforts, not because they merited it but because of
the overwhelming mercy of the Master.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall be ever in my
mouth.” Saints Peter and Paul were all about praising and serving the
Lord—always. Whether unencumbered or handcuffed, these two great men
blessed the Holy Name of the Lord. They were honored and humbled that
they, despite their sinfulness, had been chosen to be ambassadors of
Christ to the nations.
Today’s Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is a fitting time in which to
take stock of my own commitment to Christ. A few questions come to mind.
1. What is my stance toward suffering? Jesus has made
suffering valuable for our salvation. When you and I, like Saints Peter
and Paul, cheerfully offer our trials to Christ, He uses them for us,
for the Church, and for the world. Then, our suffering really is
“salvific”—it assists us on the way to Paradise.
2. Do I recognize the power of my influence, be it good or bad, on others? There
is no question that you and I influence others. The only doubt is
whether our influence is good or bad. In other words, each of us must
decide what kind of influence to wield. Will we lead others to or away
from Jesus Christ! A crucial question indeed!
3. Am I grateful to God for those who have gone before me who have given such a helpful example of faith and charity?
“Out of sight, out of mind” should never be our mentality regarding
those who have preceded us. Those remarkable disciples of Christ deserve
our thanks. And those who have died but who are not yet in Heaven
deserve our prayers.
4. Do I always “bless the Lord” in both my joys and sorrows?
To praise God is always appropriate, whether I am experiencing some
happiness or carrying a heavy cross. The Lord always deserves my praise
and thanks. Why? Because He is Who He is. He is my Creator, and
therefore I am to worship Him. Praising and serving God are the
mainstays of our lives.
Just as the Lord had a special plan for Saints Peter and Paul, He has one
for each of us. No matter our weaknesses—weariness, ignorance, past
struggles—God is so great that He knows how to employ us in His Kingdom.
God continues to strengthen His Church through the prayers and example
of Saints Peter and Paul. As we conclude the month of June, which is
especially dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we ask the Heart
of Christ to stir up deep within us the fervent love and conviction
that marked the lives of these “super” Apostles and Martyrs.
Regardless of our personal deficiencies, may we cooperate with the
Sacred Heart of Jesus. We praise and serve Our Risen Lord Jesus Christ
in our efforts to build up His Church, as did Saints Peter and Paul almost
2,000 years ago. Even now from Heaven, Saints Peter and Paul are
furthering the Reign of God.
Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us!
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