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Homily of the Day

June 29, 2015

The Call of Sts. Peter and Paul

The Church celebrates the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul, the great pillars and apostles of the Church: Peter on whom the Church was founded and Paul the great Apostle to the Gentiles. They represent the faith of the Church, holy yet always in need of God’s healing grace. The Church is holy because God who gathers us into community is holy. Yet, as a community deeply immersed in the world, we are constantly in need of purification from God.

In the post-resurrection scene in the Gospel reading for the Vigil, Jesus appears to the disciples at the Sea of Galilee. Jesus invites them to a breakfast he had prepared, including their miraculous catch of fish.

Despite his triple denial during the trial of Jesus, Peter is confirmed as head of the Church, as the rock on which the Church of Christ is founded. Three times Peter is asked, “Do you love me?” Three times Peter affirms his love, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.” Jesus gives him his mission, “Feed my lambs,” “Look after my sheep.” “Feed my sheep. Follow me.”

Peter realizes how Jesus was calling him back into his fold, his love and trust. He hears the Master’s comforting voice once again, “Truly, I say to you, when you were young you put your belt and walked where you liked. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and another will put a belt around you and lead you where you do not wish to go.” The evangelist added, “Jesus said this to make known the kind of death by which Peter was to glorify God.”

In similar fashion Jesus comes to us in moments and places we least expect. His presence is most felt and his call most audible when we need him, when we are most vulnerable, even when we are at times sinful. These come as perfect opportunities for his healing love to be felt by us.

Such are his presence and call that, like Peter or Paul, we simply drop everything when we hear his gentle and loving call. He said that he came not for the righteous but for sinners and for those in need of healing, like we are. He is after all the God of the broken.

http://catholicexchange.com/the-call-of-sts-peter-and-paul

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Sts. Peter & Paul

Acts 12:1-11
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
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Psalm 34:2-9
Matthew 16:13-19
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THE TODAY SHOW

"From now on a merited crown awaits me." —2 Timothy 4:8

In many countries, today's feast is a holy day of obligation, even when it doesn't fall on Sunday. This means that today's gathering of God's people is so important that it is often considered mandatory. Today is so special because:

Peter was the Rock on which Jesus built His Church (Mt 16:18).
Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles (Gal 2:7).
Both Peter and Paul were martyrs.
Both of these saints continue to be in communion with us by praying for us and ministering to us.

If God has His way, each of us and the whole Christian community will be different after today's community celebration. We will be more holy. Many Christians will be freed from the chains of sin, addiction, and fear (see Acts 12:6-7). Many evils will be bound, and many graces loosed (Mt 16:19). Thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions will give their lives to Jesus and receive salvation. Today, countless throngs throughout the world will receive the fullness of the Spirit. Of course, every day is a day of grace, but the Lord has chosen some days to be even more significant (see Sir 33:7-9). "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24). Alleluia!

Prayer: Father, when today I hear Your voice, may I harden not my heart (see Ps 95:7-8).

Promise: "The Lord will continue to rescue me from all attempts to do me harm and will bring me safe to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen." —2 Tm 4:18

Praise: "The Holy Spirit descended upon all who were listening to Peter's message" (Acts 10:44).