Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Jesus built his Church upon St. Peter, the rock and cornerstone. He was the first Apostle to the Gentiles. However, the Church needed a firm foundation from which to evangelize, and St. Peter spent much time in and around Jerusalem teaching, preparing disciples for ministry, and fundraising for the missions.
The Lord found another worthy Apostle to the Gentiles in the person of Saul from Tarsus. Saul was more educated in Scripture than St. Peter, having learned at the feet of the famous Rabbi Gamaliel. But both Saul and St. Peter shared the pain of rejecting Christ: Saul by consenting to St. Stephen’s execution, and St. Peter by denying Jesus at his passion. Both would be forgiven and experience the Holy Spirit intimately, receiving the Gifts and the Fruits of this Spirit to guide their ministry.
Saul eventually was called St. Paul, and he founded Christian communities in many areas. His knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures allowed him to demonstrate that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. He demonstrated that the baptism of repentance (according to the law) naturally led to a baptism of the Spirit (according to grace).
Through fidelity to the Holy Spirit, present with God from the beginning, the Church continues to be guided.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections