Christ the Cornerstone

Saints Peter and Paul, twin pillars of Christ’s Church

[Jesus] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:15–16).

Yesterday, June 29, was the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. These two great saints are considered to be the two pillars on which our Lord Jesus Christ built his Church.

Peter is “the rock” that guarantees no violent storms or internal corruption can ever destroy what Christ the cornerstone has firmly established. Paul, on the other hand, represents “the missionary zeal” that moves the Church ever forward throughout history. Both Peter the rock and Paul the Spirit-filled evangelizer are needed to carry out Christ’s work in the world.

The first reading for yesterday’s solemn feast (Acts 12:1-11) describes how an angel of the Lord rescued Peter when he was in prison. The chains that bound him were miraculously removed, and Peter found himself once again free to carry out his mission as the vicar of Christ on Earth.

“Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me” (Act 12:11), St. Peter said. Although he was destined to die a martyr’s death one day, there was still too much work to be done helping to ground the young Church in the teaching and example of Jesus.

In the second reading (2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18), St. Paul prepares for his martyrdom by reflecting on the many ways that the Holy Spirit of God has used him to proclaim—especially to non-Jews—the good news of our salvation in Christ:

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. (2 Tm 4:6-8)

The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Tm 4:17-18)

Paul, too, has been “rescued” precisely so that his mission of evangelization might not be obstructed.

Yesterday’s Gospel reading (Mt 16:13-19) affirms St. Peter’s authoritative role as the rock on which our Church has been established:

Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Mt 16:17-19)

Saints Peter and Paul are two living embodiments of the Church throughout its 2,000-year history. Every time and place present obstacles to the Church’s mission that can seem impossible to overcome. And yet the Lord always rescues us by sending women and men to us who demonstrate in their teaching and example the rock-like fidelity of St. Peter and the unstoppable energy of St. Paul.

Peter and Paul worked miracles in Jesus’ name not because of their own abilities. They were not superheroes or magicians. They were instruments of God’s providence. Their faith was strong, and they allowed the Holy Spirit to work through them. The results were incredible. Closed minds were opened; stony hearts turned to hearts of flesh; lonely and anxious people found comfort and hope; and lame men and women “jumped up and began to walk!” This is the sanctifying grace of God that Mary and all the saints share with us so generously.

Peter and Paul were holy men who, in spite of their many weaknesses, trusted absolutely in God’s power to heal our wounds and make us whole again. They allowed themselves, by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to be sources of both unshakable stability and dramatic change.

Yesterday’s Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul was an important reminder that we should pray for all pastors and Church leaders, and for all baptized persons who are called to share in the Church’s mission.

Our challenges are many today. Following the example of these two great saints, may we all be solidly grounded in our faith and committed to sharing it with others—in Jesus’ name! †