By John Desing csc –
Readings: Acts 12: 1-11; 2 Tim 4: 6-8, 17-18; Mt 16: 13-19
Today, the Church celebrates Saints Peter and Paul, the Apostles. Both were great followers and witnesses of the risen-Christ. These two outstanding pillars of the Church had an ordinary and unreliable past-life, yet their willingness to embrace repentance and give their lives even to the point of death made them the true apostles of Christ.
If Jesus called Peter who denied him and Paul who persecuted him, why is it not for us today? It is true that we have our own limitations and flaws that make us think that we are unworthy to be his instruments in the world. Often, we fear being known as Christ’s followers because we would be targeted. Sometimes we doubt whether we will succeed or not in bearing witness to Christ amidst corrupt, unjust, and immoral people.
In many instances, we become the cause of misery and pain by perpetrating the principle of compromise, joining hands with the oppressors, and by not doing anything or remaining indifferent to the reality around us. In such moments of confusion, doubt, conflict, and false consolations, we have Peter and Paul who inspire us to be courageous in withstanding every form of evil that destroy our relationship with Christ, as we read in today’s second reading, ‘The Lord stood by me and strengthened me.’
The faith of the apostles got rooted and strengthened by their personal encounter/experience with Jesus. Likewise, even though we may not have tangible encounters with Jesus, but by opening our eyes of faith, and seeing the person of Jesus in the poor, the sick, and the dying, we can certainly feel that Jesus is the liberator for those under persecution, the healer for those who regain their health after a terminal illness, and a friend for those in depression.
Faith in Christ is not a solution for our problems but our strength to bear them
well.