The solemnity of the holy apostles Peter and Paul is a great opportunity for the universal church to deeply reflect and be challenged by her Lord to proclaim his glorious name “from one end of the earth to the other” (Deut 28,64). To them, the whole church looks with great joy and hope because she knows that thanks to their powerful intercession she will be better “equipped to proclaim the Gospel and to put it into people’s hearts with conviction, freedom of spirit and effectiveness” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 4). Why the witness of Peter and Paul is so fundamental in the handing on of the Christian faith?

Simon, was chosen by Christ, who changed his name to Cephas, meaning “rock”, therefore Peter. To him, Jesus promised “I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16,18). As we read in the preface of the solemnity, Peter, the fisherman of Galilee, was the first disciple to profess his faith in Christ. He was also the founder of the first community with the righteous of Israel.

On the other hand, Saul, whose name Jesus changed to Paul, meaning the “little one”, is an excellent model of evangelisation. In his travels, foundation of churches and, most of all, via his ever-inspiring letters, Paul never ceased to proclaim with outstanding boldness “the mystery of the gospel” (Eph 6,19). The aforementioned preface, depicts Paul as the one who enlightened the depths of the mystery. He is the Christian faith’s teacher and doctor who proclaimed salvation to the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel (see Acts 9,15).

Both apostles had to pay a costly price for their calling: death for Jesus, their beloved Lord whom they loved and served wholeheartedly. Peter was crucified not far from the Vatican Hill whereas Paul was beheaded at the gates of Rome. In spite of their executions, their sacrificial death is an eminent example of what true friendship with Jesus means, following the same path of the Master. “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (Jn 15,13).

Let us thank the Lord that through the powerful witness to the faith of Peter and Paul, He is showing us, the Christians of the year 2006, that He is still standing by us to give us strength to live our Christian faith with great vigour and conviction (see 2 Tim 4,17). The same Jesus who rescued Peter and Paul in various difficult circumstances throughout their lives until they completed their mission here on earth, is the same Lord who comes to our aid when we truly commit ourselves to live with great passion and intensity our friendship with Him.

Irrespective of their past faults of denial and persecution, Peter and Paul managed to follow Jesus Christ because they were open to his grace and let His Spirit strengthen them. Furthermore, they used their diverse gifts to build the Church, the body of Christ. We too, as baptised into Christ, are called to “put on Christ” (Gal 3,27). May we too become chosen instruments to carry Christ’s names among the people we meet. If our lives match the message we proclaim by our mouths, if we put our particular talents at the service of building communion among Christ’s believers, then we stand as firm pillars on whom our communities of faith can be built in “righteousness, faith, love and peace” (2 Tim 2,22).

Fr Mario Attard

OFM Cap