CATHOLIC HOMILIES: SOLEMNITY OF SANITS PETER AND PAUL
HOMILY Theme: Proclaim the good news, build the church.
By: Fr. Francis Onwunali.
Today in many churches of the East and West the Apostles Peter and Paul are commemorated. It is celebrated in the Roman liturgy as Solemnity. Both were martyred in Rome in the first century. They tirelessly worked for the spread of the gospel, not only to the people of Israel, but to all the nations as well. They risked their lives in the process and gladly poured out their blood in loyalty to their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul so eloquently stated in the second reading of today, they courageously fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18).
The first reading (Acts 12: 1-11), gives an account of Peter’s imprisonment by Herod. However, as the Church prayed, God sent His Angel to release him from prison to continue the proclamation of the Good News.
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The gospel (Matt. 16: 13-19) presents Peter’s declaration of faith in Jesus and Jesus’ proclamation of Peter’s role in the edification of the Church. All those who, like Peter, profess their belief in the Messiahship and Divinity of Jesus will also be part of the building up of the Church. This Church built on the foundation of the Apostles with Jesus Christ as the keystone, will never be prevailed by evil and falsehood. How firm is my faith in the Lord Jesus?
Dear friends, these two great pillars of the Church were quite flawed in their lives, yet God chose and equipped them for mission, and to grow in their relationship with God. None of our weaknesses should be obstacle to the mission, for Grace abounds in weakness.
I pray as we journey in life today, we will like Peter and Paul join in building up the Church of God as we reach out sharing the Good News. May the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul, who, though weak, were simply touched by grace, be an inspiration to us and not exasperation.
May we continue to profess Jesus as the Lord and Saviour of our life. Have a witness-full day!
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