Saints Peter and Paul, Solemnity: Matthew 16:13-19
Today’s feast celebrates Saints Peter and Paul. These two men had a profound impact on the early church. They both were leaders in the “infant” Church. Today is a “solemnity” in our church. Thus, we have three readings today as we do on Sundays. The 1st reading for today focuses on Peter while the 2nd reading is the passage from Paul.
Paul did not have the privilege to know Jesus while he was alive. However, it is clear in Paul’s writings that he truly knows and loves Jesus deeply. Jesus is not an abstract person to Paul. For Paul, Jesus truly was alive! 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 also have his teachings. We have the Gospels and we also can come to know Jesus, just as Peter and Paul did. However, if we want to know Jesus, we need to read and 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 another question: “But who do you say I am?” Today this is the question that Jesus is asking us: “who do you say that I am?”
I invite you to quietly sit with Jesus’ question for 15-30 minutes. Relax, be still and be patient. Allow your response to come from deep within. Don’t try to rush it, just sit patiently. It will come!
Cherish this sacred time with Jesus!
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