St James Catholic Church

Today we celebrate the two principal apostles of the early Church. Saint Peter and Paul took completely different routes to their vocation. Peter was called personally by Jesus, traveled with him during his entire ministry, and became the preeminent disciple among the twelve apostles. Paul, on the other hand, persecuted the early church until he was called and converted by the Risen Lord on his way to arrested Christians in Damascus. May these two saints remind us that God calls us all at different times in our lives and in different ways.

We tend to think of the saints as people who never seriously sinned, whose entire lives were given to the glory of God. Saints Peter and Paul are anything, but. Throughout the Gospels, Peter’s faith in the Lord often wavers. He loses it trying to walk upon the choppy seas, leading Jesus to reprove him, “O you of little faith.” Later, when he rebukes Jesus after hearing that he would be put to death, Jesus reproves him, “Get behind me, Satan.” Then of course, we hear Peter deny Jesus   three times, his fear overwhelming his faith. Peter is truly a flawed disciple. But as we hear in the Gospel, the risen Lord gives Peter three opportunities to confirm his sincere love for him, then entrusts Peter with the responsibility of tending his flock.

Later, the Lord calls Paul as he was on his way to arrest all Christians he could find in Damascus. One of the most zealous persecutors of the early Church, Paul becomes perhaps its most prominent apostle. Each makes the dramatic journey from sinner to saint; teaching us all that with grace of God our pasts do not determine our eventual futures.

Love, Peace, Joy -

Fr. Bob

Friday July 4th is Independence Day. It is also the First Friday of the month. Why not join us for adoration at noon prayer for God’s blessing on our county.