Saint Peter and St. Paul

Last Monday, June 29, the Catholic Church celebrated the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. This solemnity holds great importance and special significance for the life and history of the Church. Let us begin with Saint Peter.

Peter was a fisherman; fishermen belonged to the lower-middle or working class of Jewish society. Although they lived on the edge of poverty, they were not considered the most marginalized (such as beggars or day laborers). They were part of Galilee’s productive workforce and owned their own resources. Consequently, Peter did not have the same level of education as the high priests, Pharisees, or scribes. Despite this, Jesus chose him as the head of the Church after Peter made his profession of faith. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 16:13–20; Mark 8:27–30; and Luke 9:18–21). Peter’s words and the Lord Jesus’s decision to entrust His Church to him are so significant that the Gospels recount this event. Saint John also narrates how Jesus entrusted His Church to Peter in a different context, asking him if he loved Him and receiving an affirmative answer (cf. John 21:15–19). Jesus granted Peter full authority to guide the Church.

On the other hand, we have Saint Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Paul was a Jewish Pharisee and a Roman citizen who, initially known as Saul, persecuted the Mystical Body of Christ—the Church. After his conversion (cf. Acts of the Apostles 9:1–19), Paul began preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles—that is, to all those who did not belong to the Jewish community. Paul undertook several journeys and established various communities, or churches. He wrote a number of letters to these communities—such as the letters to the Romans, the Corinthians, the Ephesians, and others—which are found in the Bible. Paul dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, just as Peter did.

Thus, Peter and Paul were great apostles who always proclaimed the truth of Christ to all people. Peter preached to the people of Israel, and Paul to the Gentiles. Both gave their lives for the Gospel; Peter was crucified upside down, and Paul was beheaded. Let us learn from Peter and Paul to profess our faith in Christ Jesus and to proclaim the Gospel, regardless of the difficulties we may face. Likewise, let us pray for Peter’s successor, Pope Leo XIV. He needs our prayers so that he may continue to shepherd the Church according to the heart of Christ.

Remember, The parish that we dream is the parish that I help to build!

God bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!

Fr. Jorge Ramirez

Holy Trinity Church… 165 years evangelizing!