Sts. Peter and Paul: apostolic succession and pastoral love
Monday, July 31, 2023
Jose Antonio Varela Vidal
We recently celebrated (June 29) the solemnity of the two great apostles and martyrs, Peter and Paul, pillars of the Church. This feast has led us to reflect on the importance of apostolic succession and how much believers appreciate this promise of Christ, who founded it on solid rock. On this day, we especially remember the pope, who strives to guide and care for his faithful.
The biblical passage in which Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him, allows us to understand the responsibility of a shepherd towards the sheep entrusted to his care. A deep and sincere love for the faithful is fundamental for exercising this pastoral role. However, sometimes we find fluctuations in this love, when indifference overshadows compassion, and tedium, impatience, and even bad temper and acrimony take over. Therefore, striving to keep alive the flame of the original love is a day-to-day obligation.
Let us remember how Peter, on finding himself outside the temple with a man who was ill, shows his concern and interest for the needy. He takes the opportunity to exert the power vested in him to heal, and he has compassion, comes closer and heals the man. This power, which shepherds also possess in plenitude, will only prompt them to exercise it in the measure in which they feel a deep love for the sheep entrusted to them.
The task of going out into the world to spread the Gospel is another key aspect of the Church, both in the past — developed by Paul in his travels — and in the present day. To bring the message of love and faith to others, it is necessary to have a profound love for God and for humanity. If one does not love the faithful and the brethren in general, how can one bring them the Good News? Thanks to the love felt for one another, the yearning arises to share the greatest gift we have received: faith in Jesus Christ.
The Church must be a reflection of Christ, keeping alive the flame of love for God and for others. It must be even more so nowadays: a light for others, a field hospital that welcomes and reaches out to those who need it most, without exclusion, even if they come wounded or confused. Thus, those who approach the Church will find the living waters to quench their thirst and the safe path for their search for meaning.
In this regard, the examples of Peter and Paul are inspiring. Their love and dedication to their own serve as encouragement to all, and especially to those who have followed in their footsteps as shepherds of the people of God.
It is important to remember that to support and sustain the pope is to do so with the one who represents the figure of St. Peter himself. Although there may be differences or diverse points of view, there is no reason to fall into the trap of the customary opponent and even less to generate mistrust and confusion in others. The Church of our times — and of all times — must maintain the strength of its unity, forged over the centuries through participation and dialogue.
At this moment, with an important world assembly on Synodality ad portas, it is necessary to intensify our prayers for the Holy Father, who has the enormous responsibility of keeping the Church united, sometimes against the tide, even circumventing those who want to pontificate like him.
That prayer — which he asked for from the beginning — will be the strength Francis needs today to fulfill his mission of guiding a Church that enlightens the world, in an effort to be coherent, proactive and courageous. Make noise! Don't be observers!
This blog first appeared as a column in the July 2023 edition of La Voz Católica.
