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Solemnity of Sts. Peter & Paul
The Institute
June 29, 2015
FOLLOWERS OF JESUS +++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Studying
the Gospels makes us aware of how human followers of Jesus were …
Ø
And
how difficult it was 4 them 2 realize that he was “God from God”…
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Or
realizing it, how difficult is was to follow-up
PETER & PAUL +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Peter,
who claims to be ready to die for Jesus, curses and says before the crucifixion
that he never knew the man
Ø
In
many ways he seems to have been the least dependable of the Apostles,
Ø
Yet
in the Gospels Jesus eventually makes him the rock on which he builds his
church
Ø
From
early XTN times Peter & Paul R remembered together in Rome, as they are
still today
Ø
Only
with time and more development did Rome become identifies so much with Peter
PURPOSE OF THE
CHURCH +++++++++++++++++++++
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Today
we remember 2 pillars of Church, it’s good to reflect on what the Church should
mean to us
Ø
The
purpose of the Church – i.e. the structure, sacraments, bishops, popes, etc. –
is provide the place, time, and opportunity for its members to become more
united with Christ, its head
Ø
Compared
to this, rest is so much whipped cream
Ø
The
purpose or excuse 4 the Church & all it involves is 2 make the K of God
visible & audible…
Ø
To
let God’s presence and love be evident…
Ø
To
ensure that God’s word is preached and heard!
Ø
The
Church is not the Kingdom of God…
Ø
Where
God is center & guide of every life…
Ø
But
she does exist to point us in that direction
Ø
Overdevelopment
of the structures of the Church can obscure the real purpose of the Church
CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Recalling
that the pope is also called pontiff, a word from the Latin meaning
bridge-builder, reminds us that he, the bishops, the priest, the whole
structure of the Church, are mean to be a bridge to the Kingdom of God
Ø
Each
has a part in preserving & restoring the proper function of the Ch by
keeping R eyes & hearts on its real purpose, R becoming like Christ
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
