Reflection: Fr. Aneesh George IVDei, Assistant Priest, CathedralFirst Reading Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11,
Second Reading 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18;
Gospel Matthew 16:13-19
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of two great saints Peter and Paul, the two pillars of the Church. Men who were far from perfect, but whose lives were transformed by the Master's touch. Their story is proof that when Jesus touches our life, everything changes.
At an auction, an old, dusty violin was placed on the table. The auctioneer lifted it and said, “What am I to bid for this?” “Five dollars, ten dollars, or fifteen dollars? The room was silent. The violin didn’t look like much. Then an old man from the crowd came forward. He picked up the violin, wiped the dust, tightened the strings and began to play. A rich, beautiful melody filled the room. When he finished, the auctioneer said, “Now, what am I to bid?” “Five hundred, A thousand, Two thousand. People were stunned. Someone asked, “What changed?”. The auctioneer smiled and said, “It was the master’s touch.” Yes, dear friends, the real Master’s touch can change our lives.
Peter and Paul were touched by their Master Jesus, who changed their entire lives. Peter was impulsive, rough around the edges, a fisherman who denied Jesus three times. He was full of imperfection. Paul was worse a persecutor, a man who stood by as Christians were killed. He was feared, even hated. But Jesus touched their lives and everything changed. Peter became the rock on which the Church was built. Paul became the Apostle to the nations, writing letters that still change hearts today. What made the difference? The Master’s touch.
We may feel like that old violin forgotten, unworthy or broken. Maybe we’ve made mistakes like Peter. Maybe we’ve gone the wrong way like Paul. But here’s the Good news : Jesus doesn’t see what we are, but He sees what we can become. He takes the broken, the stained, the cracked and makes something beautiful. The Master is not looking for perfect instruments. He is looking for willing hearts. Do we have a willing heart like Peter and Paul?
Peter and Paul weren’t born saints, but once they experienced the touch and presence of Jesus in their lives that changed their entire lives. Today while we celebrate this solemnity Jesus wants to touch our lives which can change our entire life. So, are we ready to offer our lives to Him?
