The Roman Catholic Lectionary, today. contains texts for the solemn celebration of Saints Peter and Paul. The humanity of these two founders of the faith is a marvelous story and a great mystery in terms of the transformation which was necessary in both lives to be the leaders required in the Church.
“The Chief of the Apostles was a native of Galilee like Our Lord. As he was fishing on its large lake he was called by Our Lord to be one of His apostles. Peter was poor and unlearned, but candid, eager, and loving. In his heart, first of all, his conviction grew, and then from his lips came the spontaneous confession:” “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God!”
(Magnificat, 2010)
The unlikely choice for the leader of the Apostles and disciples seems to be Peter. His background and his lack of education and recognition among the learned would seem to count against him. In the episode from Matthew today where Peter declares the understanding given him through the resonance of his indwelling Spirit with the Spirit of Jesus we begin to understand the qualities of the leader of the Body of Christ. The intimacy with the Divine is the key. The story of Peter also reveals that this intimacy was not always at play in the decisions and actions of “the Rock” as it is not always obvious in the lives of all humanity. However, when we like Peter hear and respond to these promptings, great things are possible.
References
Magnificat. (2010, May 21). SAINTS PETER and PAUL. Retrieved June 29, 2010, from Magnificat: http://www.magnificat.ca/cal/engl/06-29.htm
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