Sunday Scripture Readings

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PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES

JUNE 29

Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34;

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19

OUR GOOD NEWS: Peter and Paul share Jesus' fate of imprisonment and execution; how do we model the suffering of Jesus that is every Christian's call? "I am already being poured out like a libation, the time of my departure is near." In today's second reading, his last will and testament, Paul offered himself as the model for all Christians, but particularly for two groups - those suffering for their faith and Church leaders. He interpreted his impending death through two metaphors familiar to his audience. Like wine or oil "poured out" in a temple ritual, dying will be a sacrifice, a final and total self-giving to God. Further, like a ship weighing anchor or soldier striking camp, death means returning home, a "departure" rather than "dissolution." "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Solemn, quasi-cultic language expressed confidence rather than sadness, humble gratitude instead of threats or boasting. He summed up years of intense apostolic service in two athletic metaphors emphasizing perseverance as much as (more than) success. "Fight" refers to a wrestling match, not warfare, "good" because "noble" or worthwhile. The "race" was "finished" rather than a new record set. "Kept the faith" means "loyal to my trust," faithfully following God's mandate; in athletic imagery, never breaking training or rules of the game. "From now on a merited crown awaits me. On that Day the Lord, just judge that He is, will award it to me - and not only to me but to all who have looked for His appearing with eager longing." Paul thus awaits the champion's traditional laurel wreath ("crown"), equivalent to our gold medal or blue ribbon, not immediately but on "that glorious day" when Christ appears again. Paul appealed from perverted Roman justice about to convict him to an end-time decision of the only "just judge." He claimed no special privilege, since all of us whose lives similarly reflect "eager longing" for final justice will share his triumph. "But the Lord stood by my side and gave me strength." Empowered with courage and boldness by "the Lord" who "stood by (his) side" like a bodyguard or legal counsel, Paul exploited the preliminary court investigation to proclaim the Gospel. His cosmopolitan audience in this center and capital city of world empire symbolized and consummated Paul's missionary assignment. Temporary reprieve, later reversed, was welcome surprise and a sign of divine providential care. God who has delivered from harm can be completely trusted, no matter what the future brings. Praise God who cares for His people, who will bring us home "safe to His heavenly kingdom!" In the context of today's feast, the responsorial verse applies to Peter's liberation (first reading) as well as to Paul's temporary reprieve. Both are examples of how God hears the Church's prayers for help in time of need. "The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him," and "Taste and drink deeply the Lord's goodness!"