Sol. of Sts. Peter & Paul, Thursday – 29th June 2024 — Mt 16,13-19
Transformed Heroes
Today the Church honours the two great apostles of Rome: Peter and Paul. Peter was a fisherman who became the Rock on which Jesus built his church. Paul was a tentmaker, who became the Apostle to the Gentiles. Peter denied Christ, but then turned and strengthened his brethren. Paul persecuted the Church, the body of Christ and took the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The two incredibly different personalities experienced Christ and got transformed to the extent of dying for his sake: Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was beheaded. Peter was deeply conscious of his sin. His weakness and failings often brought tears of repentant love and deeper trust in the Lord. Paul knew that he was weak but enjoyed the struggles of life. He battled his life, ran the race, and fought the good fight. He trusted not in himself, but in the love of Christ, who conquered all things.
