The Solemnity of
Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
(Acts 12:1-11; II Timothy 4:6-8.17-18; Matthew 16:13-19)
Many people prefer to think of the Church as a community of
believers and a sign of God’s presence in the world rather than as an
institution. But because it has laws,
customs, and properties, the Church has been able to thrive through the
centuries. The institution, of course,
is headquartered in Rome where Saints Peter and Paul came to organize 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 lawyers and engineers as well. Their aptitude for organization, which they
lent to the Church, and their excellent roads have enabled Christianity to spread
across the globe. 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 everywhere 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 has the commission to assure the
spread of the gospel, especially to pagan nations. Over the past century men of great holiness
and wisdom like Francis have served as popes.
They give us good reason to celebrate at least a little with Romans.
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