Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles
Acts 12:1-11 | Psalm 33:2-9 | 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18 | Matthew 16:13-19
In today’s first reading, we learn about King Herod Agrippa’s pandering to the Jews of his time, beheading St. James the Greater (a.k.a. the Santiago of Compostela) and imprisoning St. Peter. While Herod’s strict Jewish upbringing would have naturally predisposed him towards opposing “this blasphemous cult of human divinity”, it seems the approbation of his subjects played a significant role in his persecutory enthusiasm.
We’d like to think that we’re above such clearly horrible behaviour, but the worldwide reach of social media and the approbation of fellow habitual sharers threatens to turn us all into modern Herods.
Take, for instance, the recent and very sad story of Jessica Hampton, a young mother who was stabbed to death on a Chicago mass transit train. Not one fellow passenger lifted a finger to help the young woman in her time of mortal desperation, though the thought of confronting an armed man without a weapon of your own would understandably give most people pause.
But You Won’t Believe What Happened Next: some people on the train took pictures of her bloodied body and posted them on Facebook. The poor woman’s family members were left staring at gruesome images of a unknown stabbing victim in their social media feeds, only to find out hours later just who she was.
I wonder how many of those voyeurs were secretly thinking “OMG, this will blow my likes and reshares through the roof!” If you just tasted bile in your mouth, I’m right there with you.
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We are not called to sordid sharing, brothers and sisters. We are not called to herald the ineptitude of our bosses and co-workers, to boast of the indigestion suffered from gorging on expensive raw seafood at local buffets, to take our hated neighbours down a peg with unflattering candid videos.
Instead, we are called to Spirit-filled sharing. We are called to herald the Good News of salvation, to boast of the wonders of our God, to take our mildly annoying neighbours up to eternal paradise with our faith, hope and love.
Which basically describes the mission of the Daughters of St. Paul, who are of course celebrating their Feast Day today. When you see them at your parish, or chance upon their bookshop at Church of the Risen Christ, do buy a book or two, read them…and be inspired to share the love story of God the Father, Son and Spirit with those around you. I certainly have.
The Lord will rescue me from all evil attempts on me, and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)