Two different powerful responses to the call

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today offer two episodes in the lives of the two most significant figures in the spread of the following of the Way in the early Church. The Book of Acts relates the action of the Roman provincial governor, Festus, who acts on the assertion by Paul of his rights as a Roman citizen to be tried for crimes in Rome. Friar Jude Winkler comments that Paul was likely keenly aware that if he were sent to Jerusalem for trial, as his accusers wished, he would likely be killed en route. Father Robert Barron in his brilliant video series "Catholicism" profiles Paul and Peter as the pillars of the development of the Church in the first century. He traces Paul's high energy and commanding message as he moves through the middle east to Europe and the capital of the empire. Barron has advocated that the move of the leadership of the Church to Rome was an intentional "in your face" to challenge the Roman Emperor with the new King of the Universe. Peter is chosen by Jesus as the "Rock" upon which the leadership of these followers would rest. Barron comments that the relationship between Jesus and Peter is one of deep faith and trust. The revelation of the Holy Spirit to Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, is the gift of the Father to Peter that equips him to be the holder of the "keys of the Heaven". The passage from the Gospel of John occurs after the Resurrection when the Apostles have returned to their trade of fishing in Galilee. The opportunity given by Jesus for Peter to affirm his love for Jesus three time to mirror the three denials of Jesus before His crucifixion is a liturgy of reconciliation.  In this dialogue, Friar Jude notes that Jesus is using the Greek "agape" in his questions to Peter. Peter cannot respond in this episode with agape but replies with "filia" or "I am your buddy" love. The acceptance by Jesus of Peter and by extension everyone where we are is one of the outstanding lessons of this encounter. We are called as we are and equipped by the Spirit for the Mission. "Yes" is the response to our invitation.