Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.

Just as Jesus poured out his Blood for us, so too, each of us are called to pour out our own lives for him. As his brothers and sisters, we have a responsibility to do everything within our power to bear God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace into the lives of others. Peter and Paul did this in their lives and paid the ultimate price to keep the faith. They finished the race with the crown of martyrdom and we must be willing to do the same. We might not be called to die physically, but we must all die to our own selfishness so we might live in the Holy Spirit. The crown of righteousness awaits us if we are true to God and willing to accept the thorns that come with it. And the most amazing thing is God doesn’t care how successful we are in the world, He only cares whether we competed faithfully and well.

Are we willing to pour out our blood for God and His children? Are we willing to accept the crown of righteousness and all the sacrifices it requires from us? How can we compete more faithfully in the race to our salvation?

O Lord, we pour ourselves out to you like a libation, holding nothing back.

Amen.