Feast of SS Peter & Paul, Apostles : Thursday 29th June 2023

Peter and Paul were very different personalities. Both of these men had their faults and weaknesses; both made huge mistakes, but they were willing to change, and they responded to the graces God gave them. Peter was very human – he often misspoke, made mistakes, and ultimately denied the Lord, but he was humble and was held in special esteem by Jesus. After receiving the Spirit, he never looked back.

Paul was zealous to the point of intolerance and was not accepting of the shortcomings of others. He persecuted the Church violently before meeting the Lord but then ‘poured himself out like a libation offering’ to God. As he spoke of having run the race towards the finish line, Paul clearly felt tired and spent but satisfied with what he had been given. Peter had an interesting life: it was he who declared Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. He had not figured this out but had listened to the voice of God within him.

Peter was cautious and somewhat conservative in religious matters, while Paul was impatient, dynamic, innovative, and anxious to explore new territory. The Church needs both – they both complement each other! Peter and Paul gave their mind, heart, soul and body to the Gospel of Jesus, and both met a martyr’s death in Rome.

Lord, help me to follow the example of Saints Peter and Paul.