Pastor's Reflection - June 29, 2025

United in Mission, Bold in Faith: The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Each year on June 29, the Church celebrates the great Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul—two towering pillars of our faith whose lives, though very different, converged in a shared mission: to proclaim Christ to the world.

Peter was the fisherman chosen by Jesus to lead the apostles. Though impetuous and imperfect, Peter’s love for the Lord was deep and sincere. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.”Peter's leadership reminds us that God uses our weaknesses to accomplish great things when we remain rooted in love and humility.

Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, was transformed by an encounter with the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He became the Church’s greatest missionary, tirelessly preaching the Gospel across the Roman world and writing letters that continue to shape Christian theology and practice today.

Together, Peter and Paul show us the breadth of God's mercy and the power of conversion. Peter represents the stability and unity of the Church; Paul, the passion and urgency of evangelization. Their martyrdom in Rome is a witness to their unwavering fidelity. They gave their lives so that the message of Jesus would live on.

As we honor them this Sunday, let us ask: How is God calling me to be a witness? Where do I need to deepen my trust like Peter, or reignite my zeal like Paul?

May Saints Peter and Paul pray for us, that we too may be courageous apostles in our time—firm in the truth, joyful in the Spirit, and faithful to Christ to the very end.

in Christ,

Fr. James Northrop, Pastor