Saints Peter and Paul, Solemnity – Matthew 16:13-19
Today the Church celebrates Saints Peter and Paul. These two men
had a profound impact on the early Church. Both Peter and Paul were
leaders in the infant Church.
Unlike Peter, Paul did not have the privilege of knowing Jesus when
Jesus walked the earth. However, it is clear from Paul’s writings that he
truly knew and loved Jesus. Jesus was not an abstract person to
Paul. For Paul, Jesus was alive and present to him.
Is Jesus truly alive for us? In many ways, we are like Paul: we
were not alive when Jesus was on this earth. Yet, we have Jesus’ teachings
and we have the Gospels. We also have the opportunity to come to know
Jesus just as Peter, Paul, and the apostles did, as Mary Magdalene did.
However, if we wish to know Jesus, we need to ponder His words, His love, and
His actions.
On this feast of Peter and Paul, Jesus asks his followers: “Who do
people say that I am?” They gave him various replies: John the Baptist, a
prophet, even Elijah. However, Jesus then asks them: “But who do you say
I am?” Today, Jesus is also asking us: “Who do you say that I am?”
Today I invite you to sit quietly with Jesus’ question for 15-30
minutes. Relax, be still and be patient. Allow your response come
from deep within. Don’t try to rush it. Just sit patiently and
eventually you will hear Jesus voice or sense His presence with you!
Cherish this sacred time with Jesus!
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