Saturday, June 29, 2024
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Heroes of our faith
In those days King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them.
First there was James (of Peter, James and John), the brother of the “disciple Jesus loved.” Although John lived longer than any, James his brother was quickly killed “in those days.”
And Peter would be next.
Herod took Peter into prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each and was keeping him until Passover was over.
But Herod underestimated the prayers of the fervent followers of Jesus.
On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, and he was secured by double chains. Outside the door other soldiers kept watch on the prison.
Herod was sure these heavy chains and sturdy soldiers would be enough to hold the leader of the Christ-followers.
Suddenly the angel of the Lord awoke Peter. The chains fell from Peter’s wrists. The angel instructed him, “Get up quickly. Put on your belt and sandals. Put on your cloak and follow me.”
Peter was pretty sure this was a dream.
They passed the first guard. They passed the second guard. The gate leading outside opened for them by itself. They came into an alley, suddenly the angel left Peter. And Peter recovered his senses.
Peter’s eyes had seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, and now he began to sing. Or at least to cry out with joy.
I know that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me! I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Paul had not yet met Peter, but soon he would, and their partnership would blossom as they led those who soon would be called the Christians. The texts today highlight the beginning of Peter’s ministry and the end of Paul’s. In between they rocked the world.
Simon rallied to Jesus when many abandoned him. Jesus renamed him Peter (the Rock) “upon which I will build my church.” Later Peter and Paul both invited non-Jews into their flock, although in Galatians 2, Peter reneges for a moment until Paul rebukes him. Peter admitted he was intimidated by some of the Jewish visitors.
Simon, do you love me? Simon, do you love me? Simon, do you love me?
Peter received forgiveness in triplicate from Jesus for his threefold denial.
Feed my sheep. Feed my sheep. Feed my sheep.
Paul ordered the followers of Jesus to be caught and killed or imprisoned. But Jesus found Paul on the road to Damascus, where he was blinded. Paul fell from his camel and Jesus knocked some sense into him.
Who are you, my Lord?
I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting!
Immediately Paul began to preach Christ crucified, Christ the Redeemer.
As for Peter, after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, he received inspired words and healing power for the rest of his life.
Both men died, in time.
Feed my sheep, Simon. When you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted. When you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead where you do not want to go.
Paul too …
I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
Today’s solemn celebration honors those honored first by Jesus. Our heroes.
 (Acts 12, Psalm 34, 2 Timothy 4, Matthew 16)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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