Holy Spirit of God, inform me with the simplicity of Peter’s faith and the tenacity of Paul’s…

 
 
Acts 12:1-11 & 2 Tim 4:6-18 & Matthew 16:13-19

 
St. Peter and St. Paul were both larger than life individuals, each in his own way. Peter was a fisherman, an outdoorsman, a family man with a brusque impetuous nature.  The Apostle Paul on the other hand was a gentleman and a scholar, who preached and wrote prolifically in several languages and produced many theological treatises that we still pore over, delighting in their complexities, letters that Peter would likely have had trouble even reading! Peter’s faith was like him – simple, strong and unswerving. Paul’s faith on the other hand was no less strong and sure, but specialized in complexities and turns of phrase that he pondered and massaged ad infinitum – and held onto through all the traumas and trials he endured on his missionary journeys, when he was at least half of the time running for his life. Both Peter and Paul were living testaments to the holiness and the love of God that have endured through two thousand years of history to still minister to us in this day and age.  Will my faith be as simple as Peter’s and tenacious as Paul’s when push comes to shove and I too (perhaps) am staring death down? Holy Spirit of God, inform me with the simplicity of Peter’s faith and the tenacity of Paul’s.     
                                                                                                                   
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.  (Psalm 34:1)
 
Jesus Christ, in his infinite love, has become what we are in order that he may make us entirely what he is.
St. Iranaeus
 
For the inspiring story of a missionary doctor’s  take on trauma see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8SLF9lgVj0
 
 
Soli ad gloriam
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