Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Today we honor two pillars of the Church: Peter, the rock upon whom Christ built His Church; and Paul, the apostle whom Christ chose for the mission to the Gentiles. Not often does the Church celebrate pairs of saints. When we do, there is something added and inextricably linked between them.
What strikes me is how similar but different these men responded to Jesus and the call of the gospel. When Simon (Peter) first encountered the holiness of Jesus, he fell to his knees and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5:8) He knew he was not worthy. When Saul (Paul) was first confronted by the divinity of Jesus, he fell to the ground and said, “Who are you, sir?” (Acts 9:5) By his questioning, we can interpret that he was suspicious and prideful. Three days blind and not eating surely humbled him.
In both encounters, there was a bodily reaction. They both fell to the ground in some way. Yet, their words convey something unique and revealing to each of their backgrounds, personalities, and hearts.
Peter was a fisherman, slow to understand, quick to falter. Yet, the Father revealed to Peter that Jesus was the Christ, at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:17) and at Mount Tabor (in the Transfiguration, Matthew 17:1-9). Jesus believed in Peter, entrusting to him the keys to the Kingdom (Matthew 16:19) and the responsibility to strengthen the brothers (Luke 22:32) and to feed Jesus’ flock (John 21:17). In the end, if but hesitantly, he gave his life for Christ as a martyr in Rome.
Paul was a Pharisee, zealous for the Law, yet misguided in his ambition. Yet, it was Jesus himself who appeared to him and put a stop to his persecutions. (Acts 9:5) Jesus believed in Paul, granting to him the revelation of the gospel (Galatians 1:12), enabling him to preach the word (Acts 15:35), and strengthening him with grace to endure many sufferings (2 Corinthians 12:9). In the end, with characteristic boldness, he gave his life for Christ as a martyr in Rome.
For the Journey:
Christians the world over stand in the shadow of these chosen men. On this solemn feast, let us pray that we may have the courage to stand firm in our faith and to ask for fervent hearts to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections