Homily Thirteenth Monday of Ordinary Time (Solemnity of Peter and Paul)
Homily Thirteenth Monday of Ordinary Time (Solemnity of Peter and Paul)
We might think of Saints as people who were very easy to get along with, but that was not always the case. Peter and Paul would argue at times about the future of the church.
Peter seemed more at home convincing the Jewish people to accept Christ. We could say that he felt that before anyone could be a Christian that had to accept the Jewish faith. He was unsure how the gentiles (non-Jews) fit into the Christian narrative.
Paul, on the other hand, was much at home with dialoging with people of other races and religions. He wanted to take the Christian message out to the broader world. He believed in letting the Holy Spirit lead the church into unchartered territory.
We would think that Peter would have been more willing to follow a course that did not seem very orthodox. He was the poorly educated fisherman who appeared rathe impetuous in the Gospels. Perhaps when he took on the mantle of authority, he became more cautious.
Paul was the very well-educated Pharisee. He knew the Jewish law backwards and forwards. He would be expected to be rather snooty towards people who did not have his Theological background. But he was open minded and accepting of other people’s beliefs.
Peter and Paul did not operate in the way we would expect. They were probably uncomfortable with each other. But when the time came for compromise for the good of the church they did so. The church moved forward and prospered because they did so.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are people who have a lot of education more rigid than others? Are those who do not have much Theological background more open to change and innovations in their faith life?
2. How do I think of myself? Do I like my religious life to be predictable? What influences have made me think about faith the way I do?
Dear Parishioners,
The rise in COVID 19 cases will undoubtedly slow the number of parish activities we will be able to have. This makes it difficult to maintain parish community. Nothing is more antithetical to community than not being able to gather and socialize with each other.
I wonder what lessons we are being taught by our present situation. I have no easy answers as I pray and reflect. Perhaps you have some insights to share. Are there any truths that you would like to share?
Perhaps you can email me some of your thoughts. I will share them in this space as I receive them. We need to lift each other up. If you have a paragraph or two to share with the broader community let me know and I will pass it along if possible. This should be your wisdom not some video or quote from someone else.
Remember that we are having a virtual Vacation Bible School. Check out our website today for more details.
May Our Lady, the Saints and Angels watch over us today.
Fr. Mark