SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, JUNE 29
OUR APOSTOLIC CHURCH
Today is the Solemn Feast of the great Apostles Peter and Paul. St. Peter was of course, the head of the 12 apostles of Jesus, and St. Paul, though not originally with the 12, was chosen for the great mission of proclamation before the world. We remember today that our Church was not recently established, nor did it start at the whim of men, nor does it carry teachings that are mere human inventions. In the midst of many different “churches” that cause confusion today, we affirm that our Catholic faith is apostolic.
What do we mean when we say our Church is apostolic? The gospel illustrates how Jesus inaugurated his Church on the basis of the faith of the apostles, especially of Peter. Peter received the revelation to proclaim: You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.
Investing Peter, the “rock”, with a special mission, Jesus entrusted to Peter the “keys of the kingdom of heaven”. Thus Peter became the visible head of the early Church and the guardian of the gospel. Peter died in Rome while serving the community of believers. Paul, after his conversion, became an unequalled missionary to the nations. Establishing churches and writing letters, his life ended in Rome, beheaded because of his faith. The tombs of Peter and Paul are revered in Rome; the reason why this is a special place for us. As Catholics, we live the faith that comes from these two apostles.
We are apostolic in ORIGIN. We trace our faith from the early preaching of the apostles and from their tireless work for the gospel. The apostles continue their presence through their successors, the bishops and the Pope. From the time of the apostles, the Lord has continued to provide shepherds to guide and protect the faith of his people. At a time when so many people are starting their own churches here and there, it is good to remember that our Church stretches as far back as the original companions of Jesus.
We are apostolic in WITNESSING. Many churches around us make a living out of destroying the reputation of others and misleading the faith of believers. Their teachings are structured around the slanderous talk about our church. On the other hand, our church invites us to listen to Jesus in his Word and through his Church; to make the gospel the guide of our daily life and relationships. It is the Catholic Church that compiled the Bible. Like the apostles, we continue to proclaim the gospel out of love and respect for all.
We are apostolic in MISSION. The Church silently serves the family of humanity. We pray for and serve people of every race, religion or status. We are the largest charitable organization in the world serving the poor. Catholics serve in hospitals and orphanages, in schools and offices. We fight for human life and dignity and the integrity of families. We go where we are needed most. Living in the world, we are reminded to pursue holiness through service of others.
We celebrate this feast of the apostles and rejoice that God has called us into his family. May we continue to commit ourselves to the faith we received from the apostles; the faith that we must live and share with our families and friends and with all those around who need to hear a message of hope.
