Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
Chains that bind us are all around us. Many of the chains we create or get into intentionally. Some we slide into slowly without almost realizing the danger in which we have put ourselves. What holds some bound to others might not be seen as chains at all. For some, marriage may feel like chains, while for others it may be the most liberating institution. A troubling situation at work may feel like chains to one person while the same situation may not be worrisome to another. In today’s readings, the chains that held Peter and Paul did not bind them.
For St. Peter, the chains were heavy and very real. What did not seem real even to Peter was his rescue and rescuer. It must have seemed surreal. What’s clear is that Peter’s chains could not prevent the Lord’s liberating power. Consider the chains that bind you? Are they of your own doing? How could you invite the Lord to unbind your chains? Have the chains become so comfortable that you would rather retain them?
St. Paul knew chains well, yet he did not let them bind his Spirit. It’s not that Paul was comfortable with the chains and wanted to retain them. For Paul, he understood that the chains didn’t bind his soul. He knew that the chains were only a temporary condition. Paul also knew that he had given his all in the name of his Lord and savior. Paul knew Jesus. He knew that the end of his journey was near and that soon he would meet Jesus face to face. This allowed him to be free; free of fear or worry about the future.
What would it take for us to be free? When the question arises in our hearts; who do you say that Jesus is? How do we answer? Do we trust in the Lord completely? Consider what prevents your own ability to completely trust in the Lord. Deep in your heart, how do you answer the question from today’s gospel? If the fire of faith in your heart is not burning passionately then carefully examine your life so that you become aware chains that hold you bound.
-Michael Montgomery