Sometimes when people begin to write about the Saints, they do so in a way that makes them seem idealized. This habit can tend to leave out the character flaws of the individual while over-accentuating the holiness and virtue they possessed in their lives. It almost seems to minimize the struggle, the temptations of the flesh, and the necessary mortifications, fasting, and prayer that must be done to combat this spiritual war. This can lead to a false sense of “needing to be perfect” at the start of our journey and even discourage people from the idea that they too can become great Saints. That’s part of what is comforting about the two Saints we celebrate on today’s feast.
Peter denied the Lord three times. Jesus looked at him and said, “Get behind me, Satan,” because of his obstinance. He cursed and lied about knowing Jesus. Peter fell asleep in the garden of Gethsemane and, when push came to shove, ended up going back to fishing after Jesus died on the cross. Yet, as the Gospel shows, Jesus chose him to lead his Church. Peter became our first Pope and went from being a man who denied knowing Jesus to one whom angels freed from prison.
Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, began his journey persecuting the Church. He held the cloaks as they stoned Stephen. He not only participated in the death of Christians but approved of it. This same man encountered Christ and became changed. He became one of the first great missionaries of the Church. If we examine the book of Acts, he traveled an estimated 10,000 miles across the known world, spreading the Gospel and the love of Christ. He also became a prolific writer. St. Paul wrote to the early Church to help settle disputes. Many of those letters we now hold as Sacred Scripture and read during our Mass.
What can we take from this? God reminds us today that he is not looking for perfection in us. He is looking for someone who will follow Him. Someone who will allow Him to form us into the model only He can create. Jesus can turn any of us into the Saint He made us to be. All we have to do is turn to Him, follow Him, and allow Him to work in us through the Sacraments. Both men started just as weak and frail as any other person. Both remained human and flawed but had the strength to not only follow Jesus but to go to their deaths proclaiming the Gospel.
Peter, who once denied Christ, was crucified on a cross proclaiming the glory of God. Paul, who once consented to the death of Christians, was beheaded for being a Christian. We are about to encounter that same Christ in the Eucharist. The question to meditate on today is: are we ready for God to turn us into Saints? We must commit ourselves more fully to the Lord because the Lord is very much in need of men and women with hearts like St. Peter and Paul. Will we offer our very lives to the Lord when push comes to shove?
A homily for the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul: June 29th, 2022