Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ And he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.’ (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ John 21:15-19

Years ago, I was invited by the then Bishop of the Episcopal Churches in Europe, Pierre Whalon, to lead their clergy retreat outside Rome. We had a marvelous few days with the clergy and then spent time in Rome and Assisi. While at the retreat, held in a monastery, there was a young Catholic deacon on retreat in preparation for his priestly ordination. He joined us for our sessions and then told me he was a guide at St. Peter's Basilica. He offered us and tour, and we took him up on the offer. Before the doors were opened to tours, we were taken throughout the Basilica and down to the crypt, full of ancient graves and the site of St. Peter's bones. We were filled with awe and shivered in the cold damp deep underbelly of the church. It was an extraordinary, moving experience and reminded me the power of one person's yes to serving Jesus' flock.

Wondrous Creator, you give us moments of awe

when time stands still and we join with the ancients

together moved by your love and service in this world.

Too often, we are distracted by small, annoying tasks

forgetting to look up and seek your face in daily life

unable to see past the bills, the chores and the laundry.

Help us, Lord, to take quiet moments each day

so we might rediscover your presence ever near us

and care for your flock as Peter and Paul did long ago. Amen.