You are the Christ, the son of the living God…
Here I am in Rome, IT, standing in front of the Basilica of St. Peter, gazing upon its majesty and reflecting upon the genius that designed and built it. But more so, there are two colossal representations of saints--Peter and Paul. Peter holding the keys. Paul holding a scroll in one hand, a sword in his other. Here are the two men who built the first and early Christian communities, teaching the WORD, providing leadership, and forming other men and women to carry on leading beyond their lifetimes. The beginnings.
Now, at home in Rome I am thinking here are two giants of our faith.
Peter, knew Jesus in a personal way. He learned directly from Jesus, the Word, to be proclaimed in the building of the reign of God. He could reply to Jesus’ question with conviction, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Ask ourselves, could I reply with such conviction?
Paul, after the resurrection of Jesus, actually killed anyone who believed in Jesus, the Christ, until he had a personal experience of God’s voice which transformed his life to be the apostle to the Gentiles. Peter and Paul lived their lives teaching, listening and witnessing to the presence of God and the resurrected Jesus.
Peter doubted, and Paul did not understand. Now both, through their personal encounters with Jesus, are chosen with their imperfections to proclaim Christ, the Son of God. Their lives changed. Upon these “living stones” was built the church of the people of God—the community of the faithful, Christians. While not always agreeing with each other, they came to know the Truth through the Holy Spirit that was gifted to them and to all who believed. The church grew.
I am in awe with the incredible commitment of faith these two men had, as well as the many others who believed and were martyred. There were people who knew Jesus when he walked the earth, and those who did not, but believed. Here in Peter and Paul, these early Christians, as well as ourselves are represented. As we read from Timothy in the first reading, Christ Jesus …will award to all who have longed for your appearance. We have read in John’s Gospel during the Easter Season of Jesus’ encounter with Thomas, blessed are those who have not seen, but yet believe. We are among those who have not seen. But we are also among those who can encounter Jesus in others, creation, and scripture. What is your longing? What is your prayer? How have you encountered Jesus? Like those who have gone before us, lives change with an encounter with Jesus.
Gazing upon these two images of Peter and Paul, I see keys, a scroll, and a sword. Peter received keys. Not one key but keys! What might they be?
What is needed to enter into heaven? What is needed to unlock the gate of our hearts? What did Jesus teach? He taught, love, compassion, forgiveness, hospitality, and peace. Each of these is one key to open our hearts and enter into everlasting life. What key are you lacking?
Paul is holding a sword and a scroll. He was martyred by the sword while during his lifetime scripted the letters we know as the Epistles in the New Testament. Words of hope, peace, encouragement and lessons in living a Christian life.
There is the proverb, The pen is mightier than the sword. Perhaps we can see Paul as one who in a nonviolent way through the teachings of Jesus, addressed the violence of his time. The life and peaceful teachings of Christ prevailed and continues to do so at the highest cost of discipleship. But do not fear!
This is another theme that is strong in our readings today. It is that of safety and security. Do not be afraid. In Acts 12, Peter is rescued from prison. The angel of the Lord rescues those who fear him. In awe (fear), before our God, we are rescued by Jesus who conquered death.
On this solemnity of Peter and Paul, let us pray these words from today’s psalm:
Let us together extol God’s name…
God answered me and delivered me from all my fears…
Be radiant with joy…
From all distress God saved me…
Taste and see how good God is…
Blessed are you who take refuge in God.
Painting: St. Peter and St. Paul detail
from the left panel of the St. Zeno of Verona Altar Piece.
– Andrea Mantegna
Song for your prayer/reflection:
Be Not Afraid - Music and Lyrics by Bob Dufford, SJ
Spirit and Song Collection
Candice Tucci, OSF
Born in Buffalo, NY, I grew up in a cultural and ethnic diverse environment. My life as a Franciscan Sister has been a profound spiritual journey. Like Francis of Assisi who called himself, “pilgrim and stranger,” this too is a metaphor for my own life.
A trained spiritual director, with a BFA, and MA degree in Religious Studies/Spirituality focusing on the integration of the arts, spirituality and social justice, prepared me to live this Gospel life of prayer and service. First on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and eventually in Tanzania, East Africa. My journey led me to ministry in higher education at various universities. February 2025, I retired from Creighton University after 10 years as Chaplain for the College of Nursing.
Prior to retirement, I was elected to serve on the General Council of my Congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. March, 2025, I moved to Rome, IT where I currently reside. Serving in this leadership role provides incredible opportunities to serve as a woman religious in the Catholic Church at this time in history. Settled in Rome, I am happy and ready to contribute again to Daily Reflections. May we hold each other reverently in this Sacred Space.
