A WORD FOR TODAY 29 JUNE 2021

A WORD FOR TODAY 29 JUNE 2021


 

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH AND FINISH WELL

_For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.(2 Timothy 4:6-7)_

_*Today the Universal Church celebrates the Solemnity of two great pillars and Apostles of the Church, Saints Peter and Paul. Their life and work is very outstanding for all to see and they have become an example of for us in the practice of the faith.*_

_St. Peter, who was chosen by Jesus to be the head of the apostles, confessed today in the gospel reading that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and Jesus called him the Rock upon which the Church is built and he was given the keys of the kingdom of heaven._

_*St. Peter wavered at a time and even denied Jesus three times, but he became strong in the faith afterwards and encouraged the other disciples to trust in Jesus and be ready to lay down their lives for Him. He will die for the sake of Christ and will pay the supreme price of Martyrdom.*_

_In the first reading of today we see how the apostles suffered persecution in the hands of Herod. Peter was arrested and put in jail for the sake of the gospel, but the angel of the Lord came to his aid, but he will later be crucified with head downward, all for the sake of Christ._

_*St. Paul on the other hand became a worthy vessel of evangelization after his conversion. He gave everything in proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles. He became a light to so many who were in darkness and he will still be martyred. He was beheaded for the sake of Christ and the gospel.*_

_He knew that his time of departure has come and he said that he had fought the good fight of faith without holding anything back, he finished the race and has kept the faith, and now he is waiting for the crown of righteousness. God has rewarded Him with eternal life for all that he did for Him._

_*There will definitely be a reward for us in the end if we finish our race well. The journey to eternal life is a challenging and difficult one because the road is narrow, but if we stay focused and keep doing good, we shall definitely make it in the end. It is a battle and a fight of faith, therefore, we are called to learn from the example of Saints Peter and Paul and fight it to finish. We do not have any reason why we will not give up everything in this life for the sake of Christ and the gospel.*_

_We must stand firm and keep proclaiming Christ as the Messiah. We must not be afraid to suffer persecution for the sake of His name. We must remain steadfast at all times and we will definitely receive the crown of righteousness on the last day. God will not abandon us, but will be with us and help us to stand firm even to the point of death._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a splendid day. May Jesus give you the grace to run your race well and win the prize of eternal life in the end. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Acts 12:1-11/Psalm 34:2-9/2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18/Matthew 16:13-19

*Watch-Word:* You are Peter and in this rock I will build my Church.

*When you spend your time to work for God, He will be there for you when you need Him to help you. Every good work has a reward.*

(29th June, 2021 Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles.)