Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Scripture:
Acts 12:1-11
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Matthew 16:13-19
Reflection:
Here in Kentucky, engineers are building a bridge across the Ohio River from Louisville to Indiana. As a first step workers had to place pylons deep in the rock below the river. The foundation for the bridge was built on rock.
Today as we celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul the scripture readings remind us of the importance of building on rock! “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Peter and Paul were clearly “rocks” of faith and preached with strength and single-mindedness. Today I’m thinking about other current rocks of faith.
Pope Francis is preaching with strength about the poor, marginalized and the environment. Malala Yousafzai is an activist for female education and describes herself as an “ordinary girl” while displaying courage, conviction and a willingness to die for women in our world. The people of Charleston are forgiving the slaughter of innocents at Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church, witnessing to the power and strength of forgiveness in the face of evil. These folks, and Peter and Paul, have a few things in common as “rocks of faith.”
They are inclusive. They invite everyone to have a seat at the table of justice.
They believe in compassion. Compassion is the strength at the heart of their convictions.
None of them need a gun, a drone, or a battle flag to accomplish their mission.
So today I reflect on the foundations. Where do I, where do we as members of the Passionist family, look to place our foundation? What do we have in common with Peter, Paul, Francis, Malala, the people of Charleston and Jesus?
Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of the Passionist Family in Louisville, Kentucky.