Key Liberation

Greetings on this the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Readings: Acts 12:1-11; PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19

POLITICAl-RELIGIOUS Tyranny v Lord’s Liberty

Our first and second readings today recall the persecution and imprisonments of Peter and Paul in Jerusalem and Rome, respectively. In the portion today, Peter is liberated to continue to preach the Good News. Paul is writing to recall that his end is near. Peter preached to the Chosen People (Herod is the principal leadership antagonist). Paul preached to the Gentiles and find his end with his execution by the antagonistic Roman Emperor.

It is truly the Church of Ss Peter and Paul, Jew and Gentile, one and all.

Summary

Ss Peter and Paul were the original Liberation Theology. Liberation by way of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News of the Lord. Chains, guards and prisons are for the powerful who rule their life by alliance, advantage and acquisition. Those who preach liberation are punished. Ss Peter and Paul had no weapons, no army, no soldiers, no judges, no legislation, no political party, and no political / industrial money to keep their advantages.

They had Jesus. They had the Holy Trinity. They had the patience of the Lord.

Reflection

Happy Birthday, Church!

• Let us remember that the Romans and the leadership of Israel were both rejecting the differences in religion by the State religion.
• Let us be liberated from alliance, advantage and acquisition.
• Let us not create a Christian Nationalistic State.

Let’s not become like King Herod or Emperor Nero.

Freedom To and FROM religion

Welcoming a delegation from the Mosque of the Italian city of Bologna, Pope Francis commends the friendship between Christians and Muslims and calls for all religions to be respected, free from proselytism and impediments. “Every believer,” the Pope said, “must feel free to propose—never impose!—their own religion to other people, believers or not.” Pope Francis: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-06/pope-every-human-being-should-be-free-to-choose-religion.html

Personal Reflection

A meme floating around that resonates says something like: If your God requires punishing non-believers then I choose to not believe in your God.

I would prefer we reflect on behavior of Lot as St Peter did. How many hours of prayer do you suppose Lot made to save the people? How many have you?

If he [the Lord] rescued Lot, a righteous man oppressed by the licentious conduct of unprincipled people (for day after day that righteous man living among them was tormented in his righteous soul at the lawless deeds that he saw and heard), then the Lord knows how to rescue the devout from trial and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who follow the flesh with its depraved desire and show contempt for lordship (2 Ptr 2:7-10).

Lot didn’t have an army either.

Scripture Readings

Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062924-Day.cfm

First Reading

In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the [leadership] he proceeded to arrest Peter also.

On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell.

Responsorial

The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

Second Reading

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Acclamation

You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

Gospel

Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry