Dear sisters and brothers,
Wishing you a Happy Canada Day!
On this day we thank God for His goodness and guidance for our nation’s history, values and the ongoing work to build a more inclusive and just multicultural community; and acknowledging the contributions of Indigenous people. Happy Canada Day eh! Let’s celebrate our wonderful country together.
This weekend we celebrate the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul – very unique individuals who have profound contributions for building up the Christian community. Both of them experienced failures and triumphs in their lives that deepened their faith in Jesus. St. Peter “the rock”, the fisherman, denied Jesus three times and later became a steadfast leader of the Church. St. Paul “the apostle”, persecutor of Christians, encountered Jesus and experienced conversion and became a great missionary to the Gentiles. Saints Peter and Paul, complement each other in their roles and attest that God uses diverse personalities in building His Church.
In our Gospel (Matthew 16: 13-19) this weekend, Simon’s profession of faith in Jesus’ Divine Sonship and messiahship. Jesus changed his name to Peter the Rock to signify his role in the Church. “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. . . you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.”
Our second reading from St. Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 3: 6-8, 17-18), having reached the end of his life, Paul (Saul) finds consolation and strength in Jesus Christ our Lord, who will grant him a well-deserved reward. “The time of my departure has come, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
St. Peter and St. Paul had their own journey of faith and differences; yet both had a deep love for Jesus. On this solemnity of these saints Peter and Paul, may we be reminded that God can use anyone to build His kingdom, and that even in our imperfections, we can be instruments of His grace. Let us pray that our lives be a source of encouragement and that we may embrace our own unique gifts and challenges, to strive for humility and holiness, and to be witnesses to the love and truth of Jesus in our own lives and parish communities. Amen.
God Loves You!
~ Fr. NEIL