Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles ~ by Ethel Cooley

This is a special day on the Church's calendar. The Church holds these two men in high honor. St. Peter, the Rock on which the Church is built and St. Paul, the Apostle to the Nations.

We were reminded that "our mission and our calling are from God." Peter and Paul were weak men. Peter was trained by Jesus; he walked on water; traveled to defend Jesus; but in the end, denied him. Paul, on the other hand, wasn't trained by Jesus and never met him, but Paul responded to the words of Jesus.

Seeing and hearing Jesus Christ strengthens us. We must be prepared to take the place of the Apostles. We must always be at God's service. We must not be afraid. If we become afraid, remember it is on the Apostles' Blood that we stand.

Which type of Christ are we following? The prophets Elijah and Jeremiah were two of the strongest, but they did not live to see that Jesus was God. We pray and ask God for what we want. But maybe we should ask God what HE wants! In the end, remember not to be afraid. Remember that Christ is the Lord.

~ Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~