Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Although each of St. Peter and St. Paul have other days associated with them (e.g., Chair of St. Peter, Conversion of St. Paul), today we celebrate the two together.
Why? One was a disciple during the life of Jesus, the other was converted after his resurrection. One went from fisherman to disciple, the other went from persecutor of Christians to discipleship. And we know from Acts that they sometimes disagreed quite strenuously with each other.
But it may be that it is that last that makes it so appropriate that we celebrate the two together. They disagreed, but their disagreements did not tear them apart. And in that, they are a wonderful model for us.
Calling ourselves Christians does not mean we will always see eye to eye on everything. There will be disagreements, and some of those disagreements will be quite serious. But the invitation is to remain united in spite of our diversity, in spite of our disagreements.
That is not always easy. In fact, sometimes it is downright difficult. Yet Peter and Paul remind us that it is possible. That our commitment to Christ is stronger than our disagreements. Let us draw strength from their example.
I couldn’t agree with you more. This should be a great jumping off point to supporting the Ordinariates which are coming from the Anglicans. It shows not only our diversity, but our willingness to work toward a common goal of Catholicity and catholicity.
We, as a Church are the most diverse of all. We have 23 sui juris Churches which fall under the Latin Rite. No other Church can count themselves as being that diverse. Yet, we are all bound together, not by Orthodoxy, but by orthodoxy. It is this orthodox ideal which binds the 23 Churches to the Holy Father and the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
We should be celebrating this more. We should look toward this feast day as a great day of celebration, but also of witness to the Protestant ecclesial communions. A witness to show them the Truth of the Catholic Church and the Truth of the message of Christianity. That diversity can exist, but that diversity is not a hindrance, but rather a point of commonality.
For it was and is the example of Ss. Peter and Paul which bind us together.