Today’s solemnity celebrates two men who shaped the reality of the Church in the first decades after Christ’s death and resurrection. Peter and Paul were entrusted with the mission to bring Christ’s message to world. The preface for today’s mass highlights their different styles and callings: Peter was foremost in confessing the faith. Paul was an outstanding preacher. Peter established the Early Church from the remnant of Israel, while Paul brought the Gentiles into Christ’s flock. The preface states that while “each in a different way gathered together the one family of Christ, (they are) revered together throughout the world, (sharing) one Martyr’s crown.”
Today's readings highlight the courage and testimony of Peter and Paul. Peter was arrested and brought to trial by King Herod. Peter witnessed to his belief in Christ as his Lord and Savior. In the second letter to Timothy, Paul looks back at his life, confident in the way that he followed the call to preach Christ’s Gospel to the world.
We can see Peter as representing that aspect of the Church that gives it stability, with its traditions handed down from that first group of Jewish disciples who helped Jesus in his ministry. Peter as the first pope helped establish the structures that helped preserve these traditions, brining the Church consistency, solidarity and unity.
We can see Paul as representing the prophetic and missionary aspects of the Church, the part that pushes our boundaries further out, that addresses social and justice concerns, that creatively communicates the Gospel message. The spirit of Paul renews the Church in different times in history and different cultures. The spirit of Paul interprets the signs of the times and dialogues with the world.
As we celebrate this wonderful solemnity today, we are called to remain faithful to the traditions which have been passed down to us from the history of the Church. At the same time, let us be ready to make the necessary changes and adaptations to effectively communicate the message of Christ to all those who are searching for the truth.
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