Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Today's Mass Readings

Peter was a fisherman in his boat with his brother Andrew when Jesus called him to leave everything behind and follow Him—becoming the Apostle to the Jews. Paul was a Pharisee and zealously persecuted Christians, traveling on his way to Damascus as he encountered the Risen Christ, who called him to conversion—becoming the great Apostle to the Gentiles. Two different backgrounds, but who shared the same Feast Day because they were united in their proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Each made the decision to follow Jesus, but neither one would have anticipated the hardships they would endure for the sake of the Kingdom—persecution, threats, beatings, and multiple imprisonments. Jesus asked them to follow and indicated that there would be trials, but Jesus didn’t give them details of what they would suffer. Jesus didn’t give them certainty, but He did give them strength, particularly because these Apostles called upon the Lord again and again in their need. But what is most remarkable to me is their internal response even during these hardships. In all that they endured, they never stopped proclaiming Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead. Their response was a consistent example of faith in Christ and hope in future glory.

St. Paul said: “I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things, I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” Fr. Michael Casey reflected on suffering, and he wrote: A far better way of judging character is to note how people operate in difficult times. The ability to go beyond or beneath the suffering, to remain faithful to our commitments and dedicated to the goal we have set before us, takes courage and determination, but it is also indicative of character. The choices we make in less-than-optimal situations are far more” (Seventy-Four Tools for Good Living, Michael Casey, p. 103). Sts. Peter and Paul were remarkable in their witness of the faith, that they could persevere and proclaim “Jesus is the Christ” while they suffered. It’s this kind of faith that is test and stands firm that has authenticity and credibility, not just to the people of their day to whom they preached, but also for us.

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB