WE CAN BE LIKE SAINTS PETER AND PAUL.

 Thursday, June 29, 2023.

SS PETER AND PAUL, Apostles (Solemnity)


First Reading. Acts 12: 1- 11

Psalm. 34: 2-9 (R. cf. 5b)

Second Reading. 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18

Gospel. Matthew 16: 13-19


TOPIC FOR REFLECTION


PETER AND PAUL: THE STRONG PILLARS OF THE CHURCH, BOTH WERE LIKE YOU AND I



Today, the HOLY MOTHER CHURCH celebrates the two strong pillars of the universal Church: Sts. Peter and Paul. 


Peter was a common fisherman in Galilee, he was never educated, he lacks patience, was hot-tempered, too forward in all things, and he was the promise-and-fail type who will make a promise and still breaks the promise in no distant time. He has a weak WILL.

He denied Jesus even after vowing that he will never deny Him. 

In summary, Peter was an emotional person just like some of us. Yet, Jesus overlooked all the aforementioned weaknesses of Him and still made him the head of His Holy Church.

More reason it is said that the Church is made up of sinners and saints.


Peter who became the head of the Church, despite all his weaknesses, became a consolation for all of us who are sinners, that there is the hope of salvation for us; and great happiness for those who are holy in the church that Christ the founder is Holy.

This is a message for us that God does not call the qualified, rather he calls the unqualified to qualify them.


Since Jesus made Peter unqualified to be qualified. Therefore, never think you are not worthy like others, believe me, God has a plan for you. He will make you qualified for his purpose. All that is needed is to make oneself available for the Lord to use just as Peter made himself available.

Remember that despite Peter's weakness, he zealously work for the growth of the Church, his weakness was not an excuse, rather it became his strength.


Similarly, remember how God sent his Angel to rescue Peter from prison.

This is the way God shall continue to rescue us from the hands of our enemies, once we remain faithful and steadfast in Him.

Another lesson is that Jesus never regretted having made Peter the head: therefore, as God had made you the head of your family, either as a father, as a mother, as a senior brother or sister; try all within your power never to disappoint God who gave you such position and responsibilities in your family. He knows you are capable.


In a brighter mood, permit me once again to say congratulations to all of us who are weak and admitted that we are weak, the Lord shall make us strong to serve Him very well. God also promised that from all our terrors, He the Lord will set us free.


Similarly, Paul, the fearless preacher, who was once the persecutor of the Church, though a very highly educated man of the law, was very zealous in protecting the law. He killed many Christian believers, yet God called him, he became converted and spread the Good News far and wide.


Today, the New Testament Bible contains much of his writings.

My dear, God can use anybody to propagate His message. 

I pray to God to grant conversion to the Boko Haram, the Fulani Herdsmen, the unknown Gun Men, kidnappers, and all who commit crimes in our societies. May they be converted like St. Paul. Amen.


In summary, let us pray to  God to grant us the absolute grace necessary to imitate Sts. Peter and Paul.


Ss. Peter and Paul.......... Pray for Us.


Peace ✌️ be with you


Rev. Fr. Segun Oladeji, CRS.

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