Knowledge and Passion

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, challenge us to respond with our unique gifts as we declare our relationship with Christ, Son of the Living God.

Peter, Paul, and the Church

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, James is killed and Peter is imprisoned and delivered from prison.

* [12:1–19] Herod Agrippa ruled Judea A.D. 41–44. While Luke does not assign a motive for his execution of James and his intended execution of Peter, the broad background lies in Herod’s support of Pharisaic Judaism. The Jewish Christians had lost the popularity they had had in Jerusalem (Acts 2:47), perhaps because of suspicions against them traceable to the teaching of Stephen.

* [12:2] James, the brother of John: this James, the son of Zebedee, was beheaded by Herod Agrippa ca. A.D. 44.

* [12:3, 4] Feast of Unleavened Bread…Passover: see note on Lk 22:1. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 34 offers praise for deliverance from trouble.

* [Psalm 34] A thanksgiving in acrostic form, each line beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In this Psalm one letter is missing and two are in reverse order. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being rescued (Ps 34:5, 7), can teach the “poor,” those who are defenseless, to trust in God alone (Ps 34:4, 12). God will make them powerful (Ps 34:5–11) and give them protection (Ps 34:12–22). (Psalms, PSALM 34 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Second Letter of Timothy declares a reward for fidelity.

* [4:6] The apostle recognizes his death through martyrdom to be imminent. He regards it as an act of worship in which his blood will be poured out in sacrifice; cf. Ex 29:38–40; Phil 2:17.

* [4:7] At the close of his life Paul could testify to the accomplishment of what Christ himself foretold concerning him at the time of his conversion, “I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name” (Acts 9:16).

* [4:8] When the world is judged at the parousia, all who have eagerly looked for the Lord’s appearing and have sought to live according to his teachings will be rewarded. The crown is a reference to the laurel wreath placed on the heads of victorious athletes and conquerors in war; cf. 2 Tm 2:5; 1 Cor 9:25. (2 Timothy, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Peter’s Declaration about Jesus.

* [16:13–20] The Marcan confession of Jesus as Messiah, made by Peter as spokesman for the other disciples (Mk 8:27–29; cf. also Lk 9:18–20), is modified significantly here. The confession is of Jesus both as Messiah and as Son of the living God (Mt 16:16). Jesus’ response, drawn principally from material peculiar to Matthew, attributes the confession to a divine revelation granted to Peter alone (Mt 16:17) and makes him the rock on which Jesus will build his church (Mt 16:18) and the disciple whose authority in the church on earth will be confirmed in heaven, i.e., by God (Mt 16:19). (Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Elvin Cardoso S.J. comments that the second quality of a good leader is tending to the flock and thus building the Church. A poignant anecdote about Pope Francis during his time in Buenos Aires exemplifies this.

In his role overseeing the seminarians, he would instruct them as they embarked on their weekend ministry with the following words, “walk the neighborhood, see what the needs of the people are, try to do something, and just don’t comb the flock.” Upon their return, he would inspect their feet. If they were clean, it was a sign that they had not fulfilled their duty. Tending the flock, as Pope Francis demonstrated, means getting our feet dirty. It means getting involved in the lives, struggles, pain, suffering and joys of the people we serve. We understand reality better when we live, talk, and walk together with the poor, neglected, and marginalized.

Let us pray for the grace to imbibe the qualities of St. Peter and Paul so that we can be worthy witnesses of Christ in our words and deeds and accompany people in our capacity to bring about the Kingdom of God. (Cardoso, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Only by hope,” by Basil the Great, 329-379 A.D.

"'Turn, O my soul, into your rest: for the Lord has been bountiful to you' (Psalm 114:7). The brave contestant applies to himself the consoling words, very much like to Paul, when he says: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. For the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice.' These things the prophet also says to himself: Since you have fulfilled sufficiently the course of this life, turn then to your rest, 'for the Lord has been bountiful to you.' For, eternal rest lies before those who have struggled through the present life observant of the laws, a rest not given in payment for a debt owed for their works but provided as a grace of the munificent God for those who have hoped in him." (excerpt from HOMILIES 22) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Psalm 34:2-9 comments that God entrusted each of them with a unique mission—Peter primarily to the Jews, as well as serving as head of the Church, and Paul primarily to the Gentiles. Sometimes they didn’t see eye to eye. For example, although Peter had been the first to welcome the Gentiles into the Church, Paul had to correct him later for drawing back from them at a meal (Acts 10:30-48; Galatians 2:11-14).

Despite their differences and disagreements, surely these two saints and apostles had a profound respect for one another. Together, they accomplished far more than either could have achieved on his own.

This kind of collaboration has always been part of God’s plan for his Church. Just think about the different people who have served God’s people over the ages and the amazing things that God accomplished through their diverse personalities and gifts. Think of how each member of Christ’s body, working according to their abilities and talents, glorifies God. That includes both you and those with completely different backgrounds from yourself. Together, like Sts. Peter and Paul, we can glorify the Lord, both now and forever in heaven!

“Lord, may your people glorify you together!” (Meditation on Psalm 34:2-9, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on Peter’s rescue from prison in Acts and the Letter to Timothy written in the style of Paul to affirm his salvation at the Last Judgement. The ancient temple to Pan near Caesarea Philippi, a site traditionally of evil, is where Peter declares Jesus as the Christ, and is given rabbinic responsibility to interpret and guide. Friar Jude notes the later connection to the power to forgive sins in Jesus' commissioning of Peter.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Spiritual director Fran Tilton Shelton who guides readers through the practice of writing their own psalm of lament.

Prepare: Get ready to write your own lament by centering your heart and mind with the following breath prayer or one of your own. 

Inhale: God of truth and grace,
Exhale: Encourage me to be honest. 

Turn to God: Read Psalm 77:1–3 several times. Then, in your journal or on a piece of paper, write your own turning toward the Divine. 

I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, that God may hear me…

Complain to God: Read Psalm 13:1–2 and then write your complaint. 

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? 
How long will you hide your face from me?…

Ask God for what you want: Read Psalm 13:3 and write your request. 

Consider and answer me, O LORD my God!
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death. 

Write an affirmation of trust: Read Psalm 13:5 and write your own sense of trust. 

But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. (Rohr, n.d.) 

We seek the inspiration of the Spirit as we celebrate the ministry of Peter and Paul and incorporate their faith and action in our carrying out of our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/12?1 

Cardoso, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/062924.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/16?13 

Meditation on Psalm 34:2-9. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/06/29/1010342/ 

Psalms, PSALM 34 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/34?2 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Holy Lament: Weekly Summary. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/holy-lament-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are the Christ - the Son of the Living God. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jun29a 

2 Timothy, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/4?6 

Tyrants and Lepers

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present a sharp contrast between life that follows the lead of powerful tyrants and action that restores opportunity for full life to the outcast and rejected in our environment.

Care for Neighbours

The reading from the Second Letter of Kings describes the destruction of Jerusalem.

* [25:3] Ninth day of the month: the text does not say which month, but Jer 39:2 and 52:6 set the breaching of the city walls in the fourth month; in later times that was the date of a fast commemorating the event (cf. Zec 8:19). People of the land: the influential citizens (see note on 11:14); even they, whose resources went beyond those of the ordinary people, were starving.

* [25:4] The Hebrew text of this verse is missing some words. The present translation is based on a likely reconstruction.

* [25:11] Those who had deserted: perhaps on the advice of Jeremiah; cf. Jer 38:2–3.

* [25:19] People of the land: see note on 11:14. (2 Kings, CHAPTER 25 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 137 is a lament over the Destruction of Jerusalem.

* [Psalm 137] A singer refuses to sing the people’s sacred songs in an alien land despite demands from Babylonian captors (Ps 137:1–4). The singer swears an oath by what is most dear to a musician—hands and tongue—to exalt Jerusalem always (Ps 137:5–6). The Psalm ends with a prayer that the old enemies of Jerusalem, Edom and Babylon, be destroyed (Ps 137:7–9). (Psalms, PSALM 137 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Cleanses a Leper.

* [8:1–9:38] This narrative section of the second book of the gospel is composed of nine miracle stories, most of which are found in Mark, although Matthew does not follow the Marcan order and abbreviates the stories radically. The stories are arranged in three groups of three, each group followed by a section composed principally of sayings of Jesus about discipleship. Mt 9:35 is an almost verbatim repetition of Mt 4:23. Each speaks of Jesus’ teaching, preaching, and healing. The teaching and preaching form the content of Mt 5–7; the healing, that of Mt 8–9. Some scholars speak of a portrayal of Jesus as “Messiah of the Word” in Mt 5–7 and “Messiah of the Deed” in Mt 8–9. That is accurate so far as it goes, but there is also a strong emphasis on discipleship in Mt 8–9; these chapters have not only christological but ecclesiological import.

* [8:2] A leper: see note on Mk 1:40.

* [8:4] Cf. Lv 14:2–9. That will be proof for them: the Greek can also mean “that will be proof against them.” It is not clear whether them refers to the priests or the people. (Matthew, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Matthew Walsh, S.J. made his annual retreat at the Trappist monastery, New Melleray Abbey, in eastern Iowa. This recent experience gave him a good opportunity to make a retreat in a prayerful place, and to sing some of the Psalms with the community. In Psalm 137, the people lament the dreadful experience of exile.

While I was on retreat, and chanted some of the Psalms and prayers with the community, I was struck by the bond of music and prayer we have with our ancestors across the ages. And if we consider the Psalms, we see that they are filled with reference to music and song, as well as the instruments used by the community in the temple. It must have been an amazing experience to enter the temple thousands of years ago, and to hear—and sing—the songs of the community at prayer. Even more amazing, to my mind, is the notion of singing a “new song” to the Lord (as noted in Psalms 96 and 149). What might that have been like, to hear a new song with the community at prayer? I returned to my ministry after retreat with a deeper appreciation for the music and song that enriches our prayer and liturgy. What a gift we have to gather together and glorify God in song! (Walsh, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “The authority to heal and make clean belongs to Christ,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"With great fervor before Jesus' knees, the leper pleaded with him (Mark 1:40) with sincere faith. He discerned who Jesus was. He did not state conditionally, 'If you request it of God' or 'If you pray for me.' Rather, he said simply, 'If you will, you can make me clean.' He did not pray, 'Lord, cleanse me.' Rather, he leaves everything to the Lord and makes his own recovery depend entirely on him. Thus he testified that all authority belongs to him. One might ask, 'What if the leper had been mistaken in this assumption?' If he had been mistaken, wouldn't it have been fitting for the Lord to reprove him and set him straight? But did he do this? No. Quite to the contrary, Jesus established and confirmed exactly what he had said." (excerpt from THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 25.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 2 Kings 25:1-12 comments that life here holds great beauty and blessing as well as suffering and pain. Most importantly, it holds the ever-present help of our Father. He is our refuge and our fortress. And one day, just as he did for Israel, he will bring us home.

Today you are heading toward heaven, toward the One who made you. He invites you to stay close to him. He walks beside you and offers you strength for the journey. He will never leave your side. He will lead you home!

“Thank you, Lord, for being with me today!” (Meditation on 2 Kings 25:1-12, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler describes the completion of the exile to Babylon in 587 BCE and the blinding of Zedekiah as only the poorest were left in Jerusalem. In 539 BCE, the Persians who had captured Babylon, released the exiled peoples to return to their lands. Friar Jude reminds us of Jesus' fulfillment of the Law especially in addressing the need to make all things clean.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, dedicated many years of his ministry to working with men, emphasizing the importance of grieving.

Many Christians think we know God through our minds. Yet corporeal theology, body theology, indicates that perhaps weeping will allow us to know God much better than through ideas. In this Beatitude, Jesus praises the weeping class, those who can enter into solidarity with the pain of the world and not try to extract themselves from it. Weeping over our sin and the sin of the world is an entirely different mode than self-hatred or hatred of others. The “weeping mode” allows us to carry the tragic side, to bear the pain of the world without looking for perpetrators or victims. Instead, we recognize the sad reality in which both sides are trapped. Tears from God are always for everybody, for our universal exile from home. “It is Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted” (Jeremiah 31:15).  (Rohr, n.d.)

We continue to need healing in which the Spirit opens our hearts to care for those in need and guides our efforts to reject tyrants in our society who advocate self interest over the wellbeing of our brothers and sisters.

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/8?1 

Meditation on 2 Kings 25:1-12. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/06/28/1009809/ 

Psalms, PSALM 137 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/137?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-healing-of-tears/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Lord, You Can Make Me Clean. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jun28 

2 Kings, CHAPTER 25 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/25?1 

Walsh, M. (2024, June 28). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/062824.html