Reflection for Friday, June 29, 2007: Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles.

Abstract

Today we remember and celebrate the memory of two great apostles. Both of them gave themselves completely to their Lord, Jesus, and both of them faced tremendous persecution, culminating in death in Rome.||So much can be said about their calls, about their passion, even their struggles. The Peter stories in the gospels are etched in our memory. So many of Paul's words have shaped our faith. Today, however, I am struck by three aspects of their lives.|Peter and Paul were totally focused on the person of Jesus. Their relationship with him was everything for them. Jesus called them away from their former lives. He missioned them. On a daily basis, it was Jesus who sustained them and gave them life and passion.|Peter and Paul were transformed by the Holy Spirit. They went from being such unlikely apostles to being "on fire" with sharing the Good News of salvation given to us in Jesus. They had courage and total trust in God. In their passion, they had discernment and openness to let the Spirit lead them. They were open to let their differences be resolved in dialogue and trust in the Spirit's presence among them. And, led by the Spirit to Rome, they surrendered to death as their Savior had done for them.|Finally, Peter and Paul never lost sight that they were sinners - loved sinners, sent to share the power of God's love in Jesus. It kept them humble, compassionate with other sinners, always confident in God's loving mercy. They were always aware that their salvation was a tremendous gift, which they had not earned.| Most loving Father, let us be renewed today in our relationship with your Son, Jesus. He became one of us and loves each of us with personal care. Let our love for him grow and let our desire to be with him and like him grow. Free us from all else that tempts us with anxiety, fear or self-absorption. Send us your Spirit to set our hearts on fire for the mission you give each of us. Let us live our lives with a desire and a focus on who you have called us to be. And, Father, let us never lose sight that we are loved sinners. Strip us of all pride and judgment of others. Let us humbly love as we have been loved. Let this day be filled with gratitude for the example of Peter and Paul, and for your saving us in Jesus and accompanying us with your Spirit. Amen.