Today is the feast day for Saints Peter and Paul. This is an interesting read about these two great apostles of Jesus Christ:
"St. Peter and St. Paul (1st c.) were the foremost Apostles of Jesus Christ; St. Peter was the leader of the Twelve, while St. Paul followed Christ after His ascension into heaven. Together the two saints are the founders of the Church in Rome through their apostolic preaching, ministry, and martyrdom in that city. They are the solid rock on which the foundation of the Catholic Church is built, and they will forever remain her protectors and guides. To them Rome owes her true greatness, for it was under God's providential guidance that they transformed the capital of the Roman Empire into the heart of the Church, with the mission to radiate the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world. Both saints were martyred in close proximity to one another; Peter first, then Paul, though some traditions claim they were killed on the same day. St. Peter was crucified upside down and buried on the hill of the Vatican where St. Peter's Basilica now stands. St. Paul was beheaded on the via Ostia and buried where the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls now stands. St. Peter and St. Paul are the patron saints of Rome and they share a feast day on June 29, a tradition going back to the earliest centuries of the Church."
My wife and I have wanted to visit Rome for some time but have not had the opportunity. Reading about these two great apostles and saints make me want to visit Rome even more. All the years I claimed to be a Christian I never drew on their prayer support (that is until I became a Catholic!). I always thought this verse "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16b) applies only to strong living Christians, e.g. elders of a church. Now I have learned two new ideas: (1) there are no more righteous persons than those who have already become saints; and they are always praying for us, even now! (see "The Intercession of the Saints"; (2) the context of the James 5:16 passage includes the role of confession: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.". Jesus has given us the living priests to whom I make my confession to not only "absorb" my sins, but also to pray for me.
Today I read this lovely hymn in the Liturgy of the Hour:
The eternal gifts of Christ the King,
The Apostles’ glory let us sing;
And all with hearts of gladness raise
Due hymns of thankful love and praise.
For they the Church’s princes are,
Triumphant leaders in the war,
In heavenly courts a warrior band,
True lights to lighten every land.
Theirs is the steadfast faith of saints,
And hope that never yields nor faints,
The love of Christ in perfect glow
That lays the prince of this world low.
In them the Father’s glory shone,
In them the will of God the Son,
In them exults the Holy Ghost,
Through them rejoice the heavenly host.
Oh thank God for all the angels and saints! With their intercession I make my journey home - to my heavenly Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
