Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
The Church issues a challenge to each of us today in her choice of readings. Certainly, on this day that we remember Peter and Paul we could hear numerous readings. Paul easily has more books attributed to him than any other New Testament author. Peter on the other hand is one of the most-mentioned figures in the New Testament after Jesus. With all that we have at our disposal, we should be attentive to what the Church offers.
In paying attention to that I recognized a common theme between all three readings. Despite the fact that Peter and Paul are two of the greatest Saints in Church history. Despite the fact that they both experienced radical manifestations of Jesus. Despite the fact that through them the Lord worked extraordinary miracles. Despite the fact that even the secular world agrees that without these two men Christianity would not be nearly as prolific as it is. Despite all of this and more, the theme that runs through all three readings is their utter dependence on God and the reality that all was done through Him! This is a challenge to us whether we are 1 or 91.
My 4 year old adamantly declares that she wishes to do things herself. Meanwhile I'm slow to admit my need for help. Beyond me are those who are doing all they can to ensure for their older days so as not to burden their families. Our culture, our humanity, is saturated in the desire to be self-sufficient. Yet it is the same Paul who says in our Second reading, "The Lord stood by me and gave me strength," that received the word from the Lord that God's grace is "sufficient."
This is good news! This day when we remember Sts. Peter and Paul is so significant that it actually replaces a Mass if it falls on a Sunday, and it should because it is a feast for us all. On this day Peter is not remembered because of how well he understood Christ, but because "Flesh and blood did not reveal this to him." Nor is he remembered because he made a brilliant escape from prison but because he was rescued by an angel and was so used to being reliant on the Lord that he followed the angel even when he didn't comprehend what was happening. Finally, we are reminded that the only reason the former persecutor, Paul, is holding fast is because of the strength from the one who turned him from his persecution.
If we were to choose what stories were told when others remember us, would they be ones that reflect our utter dependence on God or that make us look "self-sufficient."
-Spencer Hargadon