Foundations of Faith built on Rock

Today, we celebrate two giants of our faith — Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Different in background and temperament, but united in love for Christ and in their mission to proclaim the Gospel. Their feast invites us to reflect on how God calls flawed people to do extraordinary things in His name.

Peter was a fisherman, a man of action, quick to speak and act. He was the first to confess: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Mt 16:16). For this, Jesus calls him “Rock” and gives him the keys to the Kingdom.

Yet Peter also denied Jesus three times. He knew failure, fear, and weakness. But after the Resurrection, Jesus didn’t give up on him. He restored him with love: “Do you love me?” And Peter, humbled and transformed, went on to lead the Church with courage, even to martyrdom.

Peter reminds us: God does not call the perfect — He perfects the called. Even when we fall, God’s mercy lifts us.

Paul was once Saul — a zealous enemy of Christians. Yet Jesus met him on the road to Damascus and changed everything. Paul didn’t just change teams; he gave everything. He traveled, preached, suffered, wrote letters, and ultimately died for Christ.

In the second reading, we hear his words near the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7) — what a testimony of total surrender to God’s will. Paul shows us that no past is too broken for God to use. Grace can break into any life and set it ablaze with purpose.

Together, Peter and Paul  are the foundation of the Church. Peter represents stability and leadership. Paul represents outreach and missionary fire. We need both — especially today.

St. Peter and St. Paul, pray for us!