You have to love this solemnity in the Church year, the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. The two pillars of the Church who continue to resonate throughout Christendom in every corner of the world.
It has always amazed me the contrasting set of reactions I have to these two apostles.
St. Peter is someone I truly want to meet in heaven. I think I will really like him. I see him as a big guy, full scruffy beard, a Midwest farmer-type with dirty fingernails, except the dirt under his nails come from fish scales and slime. Probably a deep voice, simple worded, yet very impressive. A hearty laugh, and a bigger appetite with a little spread around the middle. Strong as an ox, and rather impulsive in his energy and zeal. A few scars from shame. He probably will embrace me with a bear hug, or a slap on the back, a kind of “atta boy” attitude. His eyes will be piercing. Yes, I think I will like him.
St. Paul is someone I will meet in heaven, but I think I will let him approach me first. A bald headed man with a sparser beard. I will let him speak first because I am afraid he could talk circles around me. He will be like some of my most respected professors. His handshake will be firm but brief, his fingers slender, perhaps bony. A slightly shrill tone to the voice. I imagine him having a headache (even though I know no such thing exists in heaven, for all pain will be gone). He might be a bit grouchy, but I will be itching to find the right time to ask him some of my most profound theological questions.
Sts. Peter and Paul…… such a contrast to me…. such a pair….. yet upon them rests the Church with Peter being the solid rock on which it is built and Paul the eloquent voice that drew so many people to the faith.
You’ve got to love them!
