From the Pastor’s Desk (6/29/2014) ------------------------------------------------------ My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Soccer fans around the world are celebrating their World Cup in Brazil. Many famous players from different countries play for different teams and together they form exceptional clubs. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, people from different origins that have something in common: their love for Jesus Christ. I think this is very true for us here at St. Mark. Diversity in gifts and talents, colors, sounds and accents from around the world make of us an exceptional parish. St. Peter came from a working class environment. We do not have any reason to think that he studied much. What we know for sure is that he had a golden tongue, great organizational skills and a gifted speech for he was docile to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. His sermon at the day of Pentecost converted three thousand people! (Acts 2, 41) Paul on the other hand, was a cultured man that had difficulty speaking: “I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge.” (2 Cor 11,6) Some say he was not loud enough, spoke Latin and Greek too fast with a muddled accent. He certainly was a scholar and a great theologian whose faith grew with his dedication and passion for this new found Lord. Paul was born in Tarso, so he was a Roman Citizen and likely the reason he admonished Christians to pray and respect the authorities. Paul died following the example and the words of Peter: “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5, 29) We live in the culture of distrust and doubt any hint of sound authority and are afraid to make any commitment of faith. A culture that is not open to diversity usually end up polarized and in decline. The disciples had some doubt with Paul but common sense and their love for Jesus Christ prevailed. Why was Peter chosen by Jesus to be the first among the Apostles and the foundation of his Church? Because he responded with all his heart and with an open mind to the Holy Spirit. He was of a straightforward character and not afraid to speak in the name of the Lord who had chosen him: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Mat 16, 16) “Lord, to whom shall we go? Only you have words of eternal life.” (Jn 6, 68) Peter had the sustenance of Jesus and a clear mission: “I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Lk 22, 31) Paul’s conversion is pure divine providence. He was persecuting Christians and by God’s will he became the apostle of the gentiles. His life and ministry can be summarized with his phrase “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12,9) As a parish we exist to worship, make Jesus known, and proclaim his Gospel. Evangelization is to make Jesus present to others as Peter and Paul did. They were different but one in the love of God! So are we! Blessings, Fr. Roberto Cortez Pastor
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:08:15 +0000
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