There is an assumption that the phrase, “Robbing Peter to pay Paul,” is biblical in its origins. The truth of the matter is there is no scriptural reference for Peter getting robbed by Paul. However, it is true Peter and Paul had their real theological differences, but the competition had nothing to do with robbery or money.
The real struggle had to do with whether or not the early church would allow Gentiles to become members. The dropping of restrictive dietary laws and the ritual practice of male circumcision was a source of contention between Peter’s “Jewish Church” and Paul’s “Greek Church.” Peter thought Paul’s ideas regarding membership were appalling, while Paul thought that if Peter’s exclusive membership practices around membership were maintained, the new church would simply peter out.
A fifteenth century squabble about appropriating money from the abbey church of St. Peter to cover the repairs of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London created a matter of perceived injustice.
The phrase “Robbing Peter to pay Paul” became an easy expression to denote taking money from one project to pay off another. Whether or not we can link this phrase with the scriptural advice, “Don’t let the right hand know what the left hand is doing,” might prove to be a bit of a stretch. However, when someone is operating in an under-handed way, “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul” might be a handy way of registering outrage at being deceived and/or robbed.
The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul was first celebrated in Rome in the year 258 A.D. Forever linked by their martyrdom in Rome during the mid first century of the early church, Peter and Paul became symbols of courage and pivotal points of authority. Peter was perceived as the guardian of the institutional church when Jesus said, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” Paul was perceived as being the advocate of the charismatic church, a church searching for the authenticity of the Holy Spirit’s revelation in the world and an abiding assurance of God’s protection.
Discovering the riches of this historical feast is an invitation to understand the need for safeguarding the treasure of our faith and a willingness to share the treasure maps drawn by Peter and Paul. Charismatic preaching prods a stodgy authoritarian model of church, providing an ongoing reformation of sacred doctrine into living resources for continuity and revelation.
The preaching of both Peter and Paul were the early sources of inspired compromises, negotiating their differences while trusting in the living presence of the Holy Spirit. Paul could no more rob Peter than Peter could rob Paul. Both disciples equally possessed the riches of Jesus’ blessing while recognizing their different perceptions of church. My hunch is that we end up robbing one another when we lose our ability to appreciate our differences and share our similarities.
With the election of our new Pope. Leo XIV, the secret deliberations of the Papal Conclave became public, and the joys and fears of millions within the Roman Catholic Church were exposed. Would the identifiable conservative or liberal factions feel they were “robbed” of their favored candidate? Would Pope Leo simply outline a modern path that would fulfill the agenda of Pope Francis?
In his first formal address to the Roman Catholic Cardinals, Leo said he would continue the work of Francis in guiding the church in a more missionary direction, with greater cooperation among church leaders and a closeness to the marginalized. He would be committed to following a path of modernization including, “growth in collegiality, loving care for the rejected and courageous and trusting dialogue with the contemporary world.”
Explaining his choice of the name, Pope Leo XIV, he emphasized his admiration for Pope Leo XIII, a fierce advocate of social issues as they related to moral questions. Citing the new “Industrial Revolution,” Artificial Intelligence (AI), Leo wisely understood the new challenges it would pose for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor.
At a recent Sunday liturgy, Pope Leo criticized the surge of nationalist political movements in the world. As he prayed for reconciliation and dialogue, he candidly asked: “May the Holy Spirit break down barriers and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred and eliminate exclusionary mindsets that tragically separate members of the Church and divide the world’s need for peace.” While not naming any country or politician, Leo’s pledge to work for unity and peace offered a clear confrontational approach to demagogues seeking to promote nationalism as a source of isolation and the use of racism, violence and revenge as ways of maintaining power.
Pope Leo, the 267th pope in the history of the church, like Pope Peter, the first pope, must listen closely to the words of Jesus: “Feed my lambs,” “Take care of my sheep,” ”Feed my sheep.” (John, 21:15-17). While this passage is often interpreted as a restoration of Peter’s leadership after his denial of Christ, it is the love and forgiveness of Jesus that compels popes and all of us to care for the well being of the church despite our human frailties.
While Saint Paul never made the cut as Pope, he does have the ongoing distinction of being mentioned repeatedly in the New Testament. Like the perceived rivalry between Paul and Peter, the Twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul compete for recognition. While Minneapolis often feels “robbed of recognition,” St. Paulites simply point to the New Testament and the absence of the mention of Minneapolis.
Suddenly, I have an urge to go out to buy, not rob, a Peter Paul Almond Joy Candy Bar, a childhood favorite. Perhaps this candy bar containing two pieces of chocolate covered coconut might prove to be a delicious metaphor for two remarkably attractive saints in one feast. I am willing to buy the candy bar if you are willing to share it.
Peace, Fr. Joe Gillespie, O.P.