Sunday, June 29, is the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles. Mass readings: Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19.

The Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul honors two fundamental pillars of the early Church. Peter and Paul stand out very profoundly in terms of influence and work.

Many different approaches to the readings could be taken for this Sunday. But since the chief work of the Church and the apostles is to draw us to faith, it behooves us to look in detail at the first reading and see in it a kind of road map to growing in faith. Let us focus on some facts of faith from the story of St. Peter.

1. Persecution is the normal state of affairs for a Christian. But note the strange excessiveness of the persecution of Peter, who is secured with double chains and is forced to sleep between two soldiers. And outside there are even more guards keeping watch. While this animosity is somewhat mysterious, it does speak to us of the uniqueness of Jesus Christ and particularly of the Church he founded: the Catholic Church. Satan surely inspires special hatred for Jesus and his Church. So in a certain sense, we can take it as a sign of credibility — even as a compliment. Perhaps, too, it is the fact that, deep down, many people know that what Jesus and his Church teach is right.

2. The Church is described as praying fervently to God. The Greek word translated here as “fervent” is ektenos, which means “fully stretched.” It is the sort of prayer that seeks out God until the solution is at hand.

3. An angel is dispatched from heaven, enters the jail, and comes to Peter. The angelic instructions to Peter amount to a prescription for a life of faith:

• The angel says to Peter, “Get up.” Here is a call to rise from despair and doubt.
• The angel then tells him to put on his belt (or cincture), traditionally a sign of chastity and continence (restraint). The Christian life cannot be riddled with unchasteness or with other excesses of this world.
• Peter is also told to put on his sandals, a symbol of readiness to make a journey. Put your shoes on, and get ready to go!
• Peter is then told to put on his cloak. The robe in Scripture is often equated with righteousness. Thus the instruction of the angel reminds us that every Christian is to be clothed in righteousness and should be careful to keep this robe, given by God, unsoiled by the things of this world.
• Finally, there is the command of the angel to “Follow me.” In other words, run the race of faith, as St. Paul advised.

4. Peter is able to confidently assert his faith:

Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me (Acts 12:11).

May we have such a testimony.

Sts. Peter and Paul, pray for us!