|
Liturgical
Spirituality
KAY MURDY
Saints Peter and Paul, June 29
Acts 12:1–11; Ps 34; 2 Tim 4:6–8,17–18;
Mt 16:13–19
Everyone needs heroes, larger than life examples
of courage and fortitude to give guidance for our lives. Two preeminent
models are Saints Peter and Paul. These apostles and martyrs shed their
blood so that God’s word could be proclaimed throughout the world. Through
their leadership the church grew, not only in size but in faith and love.
Peter was a rock upon which Christ could build his church, and Paul was
Christ’s messenger to the ends of the earth.
Time and again Peter and Paul were arrested for
their testimony to the Gospel, and both died as sacrificial victims of
the world’s lust for power and might. When Peter was jailed, the church
gathered to pray on his behalf. Though God intervened to release him from
his chains, opposition did not cease. When Paul was imprisoned, Christ
stood by him to give him strength. In the same manner, Paul encourages
the church to run a good race. The prize is not a perishable laurel wreath
but the imperishable crown of salvation. All who follow the ways of these
heroes will be brought safely to God’s kingdom.
For Reflection:
How do Peter and Paul inspire me to follow my call? Am I willing to
preach the Gospel no matter what the cost? ML
(Reprinted from ML Vol 30
No 4)
Kay Murdy has a master's degree
in religious studies from Mount St. Mary's College in California. A master
catechist, she is a founding member of the teaching and coordinating
team of the Catholic Bible Institute cosponsored by the Archdiocese of
Los Angeles and Loyola Marymount University.
What do YOU Think?
Send an e-mail to ML
Editor or post an entry on the ML Current Issue
Discussion Board. (All submissions become the property of RPI and may
be edited for length.) |
|
