Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles [B]

Readings
Acts 12:1-11
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Matthew 16:13-19

Dates to Remember
Independence Day (U.S.), July 4

Quotes
"Government should not replace or destroy smaller communities and individual initiative. Rather it should help them contribute more effectively to social well-being and supplement their activity when the demands of justice exceed their capacities. This does not mean, however, that the government that governs least, governs best. Rather it defines good government intervention as that which truly 'helps' other social groups contribute to the common good by directing, urging, restraining, and regulating economic activity as 'the occasion requires and necessity demands.'"
U.S. Catholic Bishops, Economic Justice for All, #124

"It is agreed that in our time the common good is chiefly guaranteed when personal rights and duties are maintained. The chief concern of civil authorities must therefore be to ensure that these rights are acknowledged, respected, coordinated with other rights, defended and promoted, so that in this way each one may more easily carry out his or her duties. For 'to safeguard the inviolable rights of the human person, and to facilitate the fulfillment of his of her duties, should be the chief duty of every public authority.'"
Pope John XXIII, Peace on Earth, #60

"Subsidiarity disperses authority to the maximum feasible local focus by involving people not in perfunctory consultation--'What do you think of this document we expert outsiders have prepared?'--but in genuine participation--'What shall we do together to come up with a consensual document?' As we all know, in policy preparation there is a world of difference between consultation and participation!"
Peter Henriot, SJ

Thoughts for Your Consideration
In today's gospel story Jesus shares "authority" with Peter. This is an example of the delegation of responsibility. It might remind us of the principle of subsidiarity, one of the key themes in Catholic Social Teaching. (A higher level of government--or organization--should not perform any function or duty that can be handled more effectively at a lower level by people who are closer to the problem and have a better understanding of the issue.) Jesus delegates authority to Peter and to the whole church. Jesus trusts us human beings to put into practice the good news. No one person knows everything, nor does God dictate solutions "from above." We are called to work collaboratively and consult together as we deal with the issues of our day.

The first two readings affirm the power that comes from God and was manifested in the lives of Peter and Paul. The angel comes to Peter in jail. With this help, even chains cannot hold Peter back. Paul writes: "The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed." We share in the same spirit that animated the ministry of Peter and Paul.

Catholic Social Teaching has been articulated by the successors of Peter and Paul. All of us are commissioned to discern what it means and how to put it into practice.

Questions for Reflection in your Faith Sharing Group
When in your life have you felt the call of God to get active in social issues? How did you feel the power of God helping you?

Action - Links

• God's Justice For our Gay and Lesbian Brothers and Sisters

  In many places in the United States, this week is celebrated as Gay & Lesbian Pride Week. In some cities, this Sunday is sometimes celebrated with Gay Pride parades and other events. To place these events in the context of Catholic Social Teaching--particularly the teaching of the dignity of all men and women--read the 1997 statement of a U.S. Catholic Bishops committee: "Always Our Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents of Homosexual Children and Suggestions for Pastoral Ministers."

Prayer - Meditation
Let us pray for peace with a greater justness in ours and every land:
God of justness and mercy,
we pray for an end to terrorism in any form.
We pray for wisdom that will bring greater peace in our world.
We pray for understanding and compassion
that will safeguard the innocent
and feed and find home for all refugees and all who suffer.
We pray for companionship and strength
for all who mourn.
We pray in Jesus' love.
Amen.
The Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles, October 7, 2001

For access to other prayers for peace and justice, click here.