Poured out as a Libation: The Christian life of Sts Peter and Paul

II Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
St. Matthew 16:13-19

"As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
"As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I
have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but to all who have longed for his appearing."
(II Tim. 4:5-8, NRSVae)

Saint Paul thus looks forward to his death as a kind of sacrifice, a libation offering to God in the pouring out of his blood on the bloody streets of Rome. This is the culmination of his life, lived as he advises Timothy to live: sober, suffering, and doing the work of an evangelist. This life, even in being poured out, is poured out as an offering to God, and so receives the crown of righteousness.

The martyrdom of Sts Peter and Paul serve as a "pleasing aroma," a fitting offering, to our Lord, who gave his life to redeem ours. So that we might serve him not without suffering, but "without fear," (St. Lu. 2:74) to make our lives a "holy and acceptable sacrifice," through the mercy of God (Rom. 12:1).

This holy life, this holy death, is the right aim of all of us: to make of ourselves a holy offering by surrendering our desires and our pride and willingly giving our lives to God. And such a life and such a death is not without fruit. The sacrifice of Sts Peter and Paul sanctified the ground by their blood spilled out. By their lives and by their martyrdom they established the church of Rome. And though the city would fall, the Church built on its hallowed ground did not, for "the gates of Hell shall not prevail against her." (St. Mat. 16:18)

The Fellowship of St. Columbanus is entering a new season. We are actively speaking to a Benedictine organization which may give us oversight, and we are making plans for moving forward with a variety of educational programs for high school graduates. As a part of this we are seeking new members who may be called to be a "living sacrifice" as an educator and a Benedictine oblate. If you believe you have such a calling, please send us a message on our Facebook page.

And pray for us.

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