TUESDAY, June 29 Saint Peter and Saint Paul

John 21:15-19. Feed my sheep.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul, whose ministries permeated the entire Gentile and Jewish world of their day, have been associated in the devotional life of the Christian church since earliest times. Their joint feast is one of the oldest saints' days on the calendar, observed since the year 258.

Reliable tradition has fixed Peter's martyrdom (he was crucified upside down) in Rome around the year 64. Paul is in Rome as the Book of Acts ends. He may have traveled to Spain after that, but tradition says he returned to Rome, where he was beheaded during Nero's persecution.

Perhaps we can examine today our own openness toward Christians of other persuasions, for this day has an ecumenical message, commemorating in one celebration the central figure of the Roman Catholic tradition, Peter, and the apostle whose teaching was of bedrock importance for the churches of the Reformation, Paul. (1985)

Pray for the unity of Christ's Church, that in our reconciliation to one another, the world may perceive the truth of the gospel we proclaim.

PRAY for the Diocese of Dutse (Province of Kaduna, Nigeria)

Ps 87; Ezekiel 34:11-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-8

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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How?

Jun 29, 2010 at 6:51 am

Written by Stephen,

How can I have unity with other Christians in America? I have always been suspect of ecumenicalism. Notice I said "ism". My own family members belong to many denominations or no church affiliation. American Christians fortunately have this freedom of choice,yet sometimes it seems like a sort of tyranny. I have listened to more than a few anti-catholic sermons. I also tire of the constant "Holier than Thou" moral politics. I also often feel a real kinship with other Churches that seem more about living right as a personal goal while helping others and sharing God's love. I guess that is where I can find the ecumenical side. I am thankful for our freedoms, but I hope we (including I) can pull it together and be the kind of Body that is transformed into the image of Christ.

Unity?

Jun 29, 2010 at 7:15 am

Written by Jean Erwin,

To Stephen -
I can understand your frustration and confusion, but as long as churches are comprised of human beings (and who else would belong?), there will be imperfection. Although I'm a "cradle Episcopalian", I've searched other religions but have never found the peace, love, forgiveness, understanding and compassion that I've enjoyed in my own church. My needs have been met in my own church, and I hope others have been blessed in this way - in whatever religion they embrace. We are all here to love and serve God, so whether we do it as Protestants, Catholics or other faiths, it makes no difference to God.

Yes - Feed my sheep

Jun 29, 2010 at 7:29 am

Written by Sam Dowding,

We are all Jesus' and, by extension, God's sheep! People of all faiths and denominations. Our hymn "The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, Our Lord..." expresses it best in that opening line. Then we are reminded later in the hymn that "by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed" seems to be our fate, as we do our best to scoot past our one foundation and rush to promote the schisms. The call to examine our openness toward other Christians, and indeed all of God's creation, is very timely. How do my own attitudes throw up barriers instead of buiding bridges? God, help me.

...

Jun 29, 2010 at 8:33 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

Diversity is a resource. That is what supervisors learn in Equal Opportunity training.

We are all different; and, each of us can, and does, have a unique relationship with God.

...

Jun 29, 2010 at 7:50 pm

Written by Skip,

Peter and Paul disagreed, and they were both devoted to spreading the gospel.

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