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20040629
The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, June 29, 2004 Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, apostles Scripture from Tuesday's Liturgy of the Word: Acts 12:1-11 Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 Matthew 16:13-19 A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture: Today the liturgy recognizes two of the great pillars of the Church. It's interesting that we celebrate these feasts together. Despite their differences, there are similarities in these two men. Most especially we note their frailties, their ability to turn to God for help and forgiveness, and their willingness to follow Him to the point of shedding their blood. Sometimes well meaning individuals become spiritually paralyzed once they recognize their weaknesses and frailties. They cling to these inabilities as an excuse for inertia instead of using them as an opportunity to become a living vessel for Christ, a vessel He can fill with His merciful cleansing Love to be poured out for others. Peter and Paul both understood this clearly and used their weaknesses as a means for spiritual empowerment. Christ lovingly referred to Peter as "a rock" on which He would build His Church. Each of us also, through our baptism, are commissioned to be "rocks" upon which the Church can be built. We're the "living stones" that continue from generation to generation throughout time. With the enthusiasm of saints Peter and Paul, let's spread the Good News today! - Joan of Jesus, OCDS (jmurphy at utica dot edu)
posted by joachim at 5:29 AM
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