Peter and Paul
ACTS 12:1-11; PSALM 34; 2TIMOTHY 4:6-8, 17-18; MATTHEW 16:13-19
Peter was formerly called Simon. Christ gave him the name Cephas, or Peter. The change of name reflects Peter’s mission and office. Similarly, the names we bear at our baptism are simply marks of our new identity, mission, and purpose.
Acts 12:1–12 speaksPeter suffered for Christ’s sake, and his release from prison was due to people’s prayers. We must not cease to pray for our spiritual leaders. Our prayers for them can help them immensely.
Peter never pretended to know his strengths and weaknesses. If we must grow, we must be open to formation. Be open to the truth, and then you shall experience God’s grace and transformation.
In the Gospel, authority was bestowed on Peter as the head of the church. Authority is responsibility. How do you measure up to the responsibility given to you?
Peter acknowledged the tremendous impact Paul had on the church and on the gospel (2 Peter 3:15). He endorsed Paul’s writings. These writings played a major role in the definition and declaration of the gospel from the New Testament days until now.
Peter also refers to Paul as a “beloved brother.” This shows that they were good companions and missionaries.
*St. Paul:* Despite not being one of the disciples, Paul’s influence looms over the early church. Out of the 27 books in the New Testament, Paul wrote 13. He was greatly responsible for the spread of the gospel.
Like Peter, Paul also changed his name after his conversion. He suffered many hardships for the sake of Christ. In the second reading, Paul said, “I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish.” So he has tried very hard to do what is right; it means he has maintained a godly character even in forbidding and hostile circumstances; it means he has rejected error and pursued righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Let’s do the same.
Paul was an ardent missionary and a great preacher. Let us express Christ in all ramifications. We pray that today’s celebration may cause a reawakening in our spirits and foster a revival in our dispositions towards God and his Church.
Let us pray
Grant, we pray, O Lord our God, that we may be sustained by the intercession of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, that, as through them you gave your church the foundations of her heavenly office, so through them you may help her to eternal salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
