From The Desk of Deacon Judy

St Peter and St. Paul

We remember St. Peter and St. Paul together this week (June 29) because they were both martyred for the faith in Rome.

Their journeys with Jesus had their own personality, but they both proclaimed the Good News and invited all to follow the Way of Love of Jesus.

I smile when I remember an early discernment for the diaconate interview with my priest, Father Jim Tuohy, and Bishop Kee Sloan. This was in the early 2000’s, just after the Episcopal Church had consecrated the first gay bishop Gene Robinson, which had caused discord among dioceses and congregations. Bishop Kee looked me straight in the eye and asked, “What do you think of the conflict in the Church?” I responded immediately, “Which one? Peter and Paul?” Bishop Kee smiled as we reflected on that first conflict, a disagreement over circumcision of new Gentile followers of Jesus. There have been numerous conflicts in the Church over these past two thousand years, yet Jesus’ message of love prevails.

Peter and Paul led new believers to a deeper relationship with Christ. They formed the early Christian communities and called up faith leaders. They both ended up in Rome where they angered the Roman establishment, endured trials and prison, and ultimately were executed for their commitment to Jesus. Since Paul was a Roman citizen, he was beheaded with a sword. Peter was crucified, like Jesus, but with his head facing downward.

Last Saturday I was a presenter at the ordination of a friend to the priesthood in the Diocese of Atlanta. Bishop Wright preached and encouraged the new priests and all of us to have ”Gospel Grit” in the face of conflict and division in our communities, our nation, and in the world. He reminded us to hold on to the Good News of the love and mercy of Jesus, to tell our own story of how Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit changed our lives. Peter and Paul had Gospel Grit. Despite their differences, they were united in God’s love and bore witness to that Good News even to their death.

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Pentecost Blessings,

Judy Q+