A CALL TO PARTNERSHIP IN CHRIST
Today
we commemorate the death of the two great Apostles — Peter and Paul.
Tradition holds that both of them died around this time, on the same
day, in Rome, around the years 64-67 AD, during the anti-Christian
persecution of the emperor Nero. Peter was crucified upside down, as he
indicated to his torturers, at what is now the Vatican. Paul, a Jew but a
citizen of Rome, was given a faster death: by beheading.
We reflect on the partnership of these two Apostles whom we consider as
important pillars of the Catholic faith especially:
Their strong faith that led them to martyrdom flowed from personal
experiences with Jesus. Peter was, of course, one of the Twelve who
witnessed Jesus’ earthly ministry, death and resurrection. Paul had a
personally significant faith-experience with Jesus on the road to
Damascus (cf Acts 9).
They learned to complement and respect each one’s call and mission.
Peter preached and taught greatly among the Jews; Paul evangelized
non-Jews. They recognized these special calling for each one during the
Council in Jerusalem (cf Galatians 2:1-10). The work started out by
Jesus was something too big for one person to continue doing. The Holy
Spirit distributes various charisms to different persons for this
purpose.
They learned to serve Jesus, according to Jesus’ terms. Jesus Himself
told Peter: when Peter was young, he went where he wanted. Now someone
ties him and he will have to allow himself to be led (cf John 21:14-19).
Paul began to see that his way of witnessing was not just through
active preaching as he wanted. But through his imprisonments and death. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS: How is partnership in Christ practiced in your ministries
and fellowships? What do you find striking in the life of Peter and of
Paul? How do they inspire you? How ready are you to offer your life for
the Christian faith?
As Peter and Paul witness to You, Lord, help me to be a witness to others, too.
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