Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul. These two great apostles were instrumental in strengthening the faith of the early Church and maintaining its unity. Yet, they were as different as night and day—even having their disagreements, as recorded in Galatians 2:14.
Although St. Peter was the one who affirmed the identity of Christ, his actions and character did not always reflect the meaning of his name, which is “rock.” St. Peter was often rash and impulsive. We especially remember his triple denial of Jesus. Meanwhile, St. Paul was a fierce persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion, and he had a fiery temperament.
It is striking that Jesus chose these two men—so imperfect and seemingly unsuited to lead His Church. Despite their differences and shortcomings, St. Peter and St. Paul were united in a common mission. Both ultimately died as martyrs, showing that their lives were not lived for personal glory but for the glory of God.
This Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul reminds us that, despite our differences and failures, the Church can be united in purpose and mission. The lives of these saints demonstrate that God can choose weak and imperfect people to lead His Church. Through such human instruments, God reveals to the Church and to the world that what is impossible for man is not impossible for Him.
Our reflection is: Do we realize that God also wants us to be His instruments to spread His love and salvation to those around us? Why? What do we need in order to become instruments of God, like St. Peter and St. Paul?

Fr. Aegidius Warsito, SCJ