It is 18th November 2016. We celebrate the memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of saints Peter and Paul. Today we mark the dedication of the basilicas which house the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul. The Inscription on the gate of Rome which was called in the sixth century the gate of St. Peter reads the following: ‘Peter the doorkeeper sets his holy dwelling at the entrance: who can deny that this city is like heaven? St Paul guards the walls of the city of Rome. At the other extremity, Paul from his temple guards the walls; Rome lies between the two: here then God dwells.’ Like St. Peter, St. Paul accepted the White Robe of the martyrs washed clean in the Blood of the Lamb. Their relics buried under the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. We too thank God for their faith and example shown till the final test. The readings are from Act.28:11-16, 30-31 and the Gospel from Mt. 14:22-33. The first reading speaks of St. Paul’s journey to Rome. He was under the house arrest. Even though the Acts of Apostles ends abruptly, it leaves a power message about St. Paul’s proclamation and his confidence in sharing and spreading the Christianity in Rome. The responsorial Psalm prays: “The Lord has revealed to the nations Lord’s saving power.” (Ps.98:2). The Gospel presents the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus spent his time in prayer alone for just having heard the murder of St. John the Baptist by Herod and he was grieving. Jesus having had the power over the sea and the nature walked on the waters. St. Peter recognised him and he wanted to walk towards the Lord on the waters. The faith of Peter gave him the courage to do yet he was overwhelmed by fear and doubt. Whenever we are faced with fear and doubt, we need to reassure ourselves that “Jesus is the Son of God indeed.” (Mt. 14:33). Jesus is the only one who can help us at the times of troubles and fears. As St. Peter proclaimed the power Jesus, let us do the same. May you have good day.

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