Today is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. In the first reading from Acts 12, we read about Peter being sprung from jail by the angel of the Lord. And in the Gospel reading from Matthew 16, Jesus says, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven."
In the second reading from 2 Timothy 4, St. Paul writes, "I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand." According to Dictionary.com, a libation is "a pouring out of wine or other liquid in honor of a deity."
Have you ever "poured yourself into" something? A job, a relationship, a hobby? It means you put everything into it, 100%. But that pouring in eventually results in a pouring out. Saints Peter and Paul gave everything - 100% - for Jesus. And it paid off in the end. St. Paul wrote, "From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me." From now on, let's pour ourselves into our faith, that we, like Saints Peter and Paul, may be poured out like a libation.
Father, we thank you for the example of Saints Peter and Paul, who gave all for Christ. May we have the privilege of being poured out like a libation for Him. Amen.
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