HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: SAINTS PETER AND PAUL
BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA
HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY JUNE 29 2022
We celebrate two giants in the history of the Church: Peter the head of the Apostles, who was assigned to preserve the unity of the Church, and Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles, and fierce defender of the faith. Jesus entrusted the leadership of the Church to Peter and said, “…You are Peter and, on this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). He also gave him the keys of the kingdom and authority to bind and loose (Matthew 16:19). The Apostle Paul experienced a dramatic conversion from being a persecutor of Christians to becoming an ardent follower of Christ, a fearless preacher, and an instrument for the salvation of many. He worked so assiduously, resolutely, with a sense of commitment, conviction, and uncompromisingly in spreading the good news, and towards the end of his life, he declared, “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Both of them sacrificed their life in total service and finally laid down their lives for the sake of Christ as Peter was crucified and Paul beheaded. How do we imitate the missionary zeal, loyalty, faithfulness, and shining examples of St. Peter and St. Paul? Are we willing to imitate Paul by fighting the good fight and keeping the faith?
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 12:1-11; 2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8, 17-18; MATTHEW 16:13-19