The Solemnity of
Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
(Acts 12:1-11; II Timothy 4:6-8.17-18; Matthew 16:13-19)
We prefer to think of the Church as a community of believers
and a sign of God’s presence in the world more than as an institution. But because it is an institution with laws,
customs, and properties, the Church has been able to serve its members and the
world. The institution, of course, is
headquartered in Rome
where Saints Peter and Paul came to facilitate the evangelization of the world.
Rome,
especially in the first century, is unlike any other city. Romans are practical people and ancient
Romans were consummate administrators.
Their aptitude for organization, which they lent to the Church, and
their excellent roads enabled Christianity to flourish. Part of the genius of both Peter and Paul was
to take advantage of all the benefits that the “Eternal City”
offered.
Today, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, the people of Rome have a holiday while Catholics around the world have
opportunity to contemplate the authority of the pope, the bishop of Rome. Like Peter he is the symbol of unity of the
Church. Like Paul he is commissioned to proclaim
the gospel to the world. With men of notable
holiness and wisdom serving as popes over the past century, we can celebrate
today with Romans.
