RBWords

 

     Peter receives the role of head of the Church as a result of his profession of faith: "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."  Paul received his role as itinerant preacher and founder of churches in a vision on the road to Damascus.  Both these strong-willed figures were necessary to the church and their respective "roles" continue to be necessary.  We see both roles being played by Pope Francis!

 

     Pope Francis has inaugurated some startling changes in certain church structures to make the Church more transparent and welcoming.  His "council" of eight cardinals from around the world is just one example!  In this he is exercising the "Petrine" role.  His recent document: "The Joy of the Gospel," shows him in his "Pauline" role.  That document is an amazing challenge to a personal relationship with Christ that motivates us, through our baptismal call, to be "missionary disciples."  This means ALL of us, not just the ordained clergy or the religious order folks!  It is as if Jesus were speaking personally to each of us and asking, "Who do you say that I am?"  How do we answer that question and tell others about our answer?

 

     When a feast day like this replaces a Sunday, we know it has to be important.  Peter and Paul offer us in one figure, Pope Francis, someone we can follow and imitate.  AMEN