Scriptural Meditations for June 29, Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul; June 30.
16:13-19. Lectionary # 591:
Matthew 16:13-19 is the most important text for the Catholic Church on the
person of Peter and the apostolic succession of the popes since Peter.
Peter's name in the Aramaic is Cephas (Rocky!) and the metaphor seems to be
perfect for what we know of him in the Gospels as well as the foundational
security that it offers after him in the "Church". Matthew is the only
Gospel that has the exact word for "Church" in his texts; here and also in
chapter 18 verse 17 where it has the community emphasis of binding and
loosing. Both chapters are focused on Christ and the Church or on
christology and ecclesiology. Both Peter and Paul are foundational
personalities who have given to the Church its energy, its mission, and its
vitality. Both Gentile and Jew were included in the efforts of these
saints. My thoughts returned to my studies in Rome where I had a year and
a half. This gave me the opportunity of visiting both great basilicas
dedicated to these saints and I enjoyed each visit--especially my last one
where the beatification of our Founder took place at St. Peter's and I
helped distribute Communion with Pope John Paul II, our 264th Pope. Then
the first Mass in his honor was celebrated on September 4, 2000 at the
basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls with over 5000 from the Marianist
Family present. These years in Rome always help me to recall some
memorable moments at the basilicas. The great question for us today is
"Who do you say that I am?" and for me that means who is Jesus for me at
this moment and stage of my life? What is the relationship I have with
him? What words of his and scenes from the Gospels touch my life today?
Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah for me; he is the human face of God
expressed through the love, mercy, and compassion that I sense from him
whenever I need such graces to keep on going in life. I sense these
characteristics particularly in the sacrament of the Eucharist and that of
Reconciliation. I join all my brothers and sisters in the Marianist
family in professing that Jesus is my Lord and Savior, the Son of the
living God and the Son of Mary his mother to whom I am dedicated by the
vowed life. I realize that all of this relationship is based upon the Good
News of today's Gospel and that the apostles have handed down the faith
that I have and count on for facing the future. Amen.
Saturday, June 30th, twelfth week in Ordinary Time
Scripture: Genesis 18:1-15. Luke 1:46-56. Matthew 8:5-17. Lectionary 376:
Mary's Magnificat is used as the Responsorial Psalm. It makes sense in
relating these thoughts of Mary to the first reading of Genesis where God's
promise is ratified in the words, "...according to the promises made to our
ancestor Abraham and to his descendants." The scene of the three guests
coming to Abraham's tent is one of beauty and wisdom. Hospitality is at
the center of it and one of the most famous icons in the world has been
painted to represent the three messengers as the Trinity of Persons in the
unity of One God. The description is very human and down to earth since
the whole Abraham cycle of readings is from the Yahwist tradtion. It is
clear, simple, and delightful in its narrative form. Sarah will laugh at
the thought that she will bear a son and have pleasure in bringing this
about. Abraham seems to have that strength of openess to God's summons and
everything seems to finally turn out as he would wish it. Sarah is
somewhat central to the whole scene and we see her in her positive side
with a sense of humor, a princess-like dignity, and always hospitable.
Hospitality is the calling card of this privileged couple, our ancestors in
the faith. Sarah laughs on this occasion which gives rise to the meaning
of the name Isaac. I love what J.L.McKenzie says of her, "She is
represented in the J narratives with a vivacious and well defined
character, proud, quick to anger, hardly the submissive and demure wife, a
bustling and generous hostess and easily amused, ready for the give and
take of conversation with her man and his guests. These are not necessarily
traits of the historical Sarah; she is described as the kind of wife whom
the Beduin chiefs find attractive, except for the curse of sterility. The
curse is removed by the blessing which is conferred on her husband."
(Dictionary of the Bible, Mc Kenzie, p. 773). Finally, returning to the
Magnificat of Mary, I can easily join in this hope filled prayer with the
sentiments of Sarah who was to experience the grace of God fulfilling his
promise to give her a son thus enfleshing in her and Abraham God's creative
love and fidelity to those who magnify his name and listen attentively to
his voice. Our Gospel shows that a Roman centurion likewise has trust and
faith in Jesus' healing power. God is ever faithful to his promises that
are given to each of us through the graces of each day. Amen.
posted by Fr. Bert SM at 3:41 PM
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