THE WORD AND THE FEAST
June 29, 2020: The Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul
Acts 3: 1-10/Acts 12:1-11; Galatians 1: 11-20/ 2 Timothy 4: 6-8,17-18; John 21: 15-19/ Matthew 16: 13-19
"I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!" The first reading highlights the fact for the apostles the true treasure, the true strength, the true source of well being was Christ! They depended on no one else, they feared no one and they cared about nothing else other having Christ with them.
"It is no longer I who lives, but it is Christ who lives in me!" The second reading underlines the intimate relationship that the apostles had with Christ, their Master and presents the same challenge to us: to have a love for Christ that would consume us totally in our body and soul, making us aglow with the love for Christ and Christ's mission of the Reign of God.
These two pillars - one a rock and the other a foundation, stand testimonies to how a life in Christ has to be lived! One shows in action and the other in his commitment; one in his total dependence on the Lord and the other in a total consumation for the Lord. Let us pray for the faith of the Church - that it may grow forever in its integriy!
These two pillars - one a rock and the other a foundation, stand testimonies to how a life in Christ has to be lived! One shows in action and the other in his commitment; one in his total dependence on the Lord and the other in a total consumation for the Lord. Let us pray for the faith of the Church - that it may grow forever in its integriy!
Some Traditional Trivia... interesting to know
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| Peter to the right of the Square |
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| Paul on the left corner of the square |
- Originally this feast was called the Martyrdom of Apostles Peter and Paul
- There are just three Basilicas built on the tomb of the Apostles...
1. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
2. St. James's Basilica, Campostella, Spain
3. St. Thomas' Basilica, Mylapore, Chennai, India
- Peter was Crucified (crucified upside down on his request!!!)
- Paul was beheaded (there is a church built on the spot where Paul was believed to be beheaded...in the immediate outskirts of Rome)
- The Vatican St. Peter's Square leading to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, has the statues of Peter and Paul adorning the square as we overlook the Basilica... as traditionally, Peter holds the keys, and Paul holds a sword!
LET US THANK GOD FOR, ADMIRE AND IMITATE...
ST. PETER,
IN HIS INTUITIVE FAITH AND INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP WITH CHRIST;
ST. PAUL,
IN HIS TOTAL DEDICATION TO THE GOSPEL AND SELF-CONSUMING LOVE FOR CHRIST!