Beloved Parishioners,

I conclude the reflection I started last week on Princes of the Apostles. The Church celebrates them together because they embody the unity and diversity of the Christian mission: Peter as the first bishop of Rome, shepherding the local Church, and Paul as the missionary evangelist, spreading the faith far beyond Jewish communities.

Their martyrdom by Emperor Nero in 67 AD in Rome —Peter crucified upside down and Paul beheaded as a Roman citizen—are the supreme testimony of their faith and love for Christ, inspiring countless believers through the centuries.

What moral lessons have the Princes of the Apostles for us? First, we must know that our priority and indeed our vocation as Christians is to respond to God’s initiative. Every one of us has a role to play in the mission of the Church, whether in preaching, service, teaching, or prayer. Peter obeyed Christ’s call to “feed my sheep” (John 21:15–17). Paul responded to his Damascus Road encounter by surrendering his life to Christ’s mission (Acts 9:6, 15).

Second, we learn that God is not done with us provided we are alive. God can transform even the most unlikely people into faithful servants and no past is beyond God’s redemptive reach. Peter went from being a fearful denier of Christ (Luke 22:54–62) to a bold preacher at Pentecost (Acts 2:14–41). Paul was a persecutor of Christians (Acts 8:1–3; 9:1–2) but became a tireless missionary and theologian. This challenges us to embrace God’s mercy and extend it to others.

Third, we must learn that true Christian leadership is marked by humility, not self-promotion or clericalism. Both apostles modeled servant leadership (diakonia), especially relevant for Church leaders today. Peter, though a prominent leader, openly acknowledged his failures (cf. 1 Peter 5:1–5). Paul called himself “the least of the apostles” and a “chief of sinners” (1 Cor. 15:9; 1 Tim. 1:15), despite his achievement.

Fourth, in the context of the Jubilee year of Hope, we are called to endure suffering with faith and hope. The perseverance of Peter and Paul shows that the Christian life is not about comfort but about faithful witness, even unto death. Peter was imprisoned severally, likewise Paul who also endured shipwrecks, beatings, and imprisonment for the sake of Christ (2 Cor. 11:23–28). They eventually were martyred by Emperor Nero in 67AD. The reward? Nero’s empire has been completely forgotten and obliterated forever but Peter and Paul’s legacy will live forever.

Fifth, Paul fraternally rebuked Peter in Antioch for hypocritically hesitating to eat with the Gentile Christians out of fear of being criticized by the Jews who came around (Gal. 2:11 -140). This incident points out to us that even the best of Christians can falter and so, it behooves us to offer fraternal corrections in love whenever we are in the Christian community.

In conclusion, in respect to the injunctions of Hebrews 13:7, as we honor Saints Peter and Paul, let us reflect on their witness of faith, leadership, and missionary courage especially now that Pope Leo XIV is inviting us to make our Church a missionary Church. May their example inspire us to live boldly as disciples of Christ, united in faith and service, ready to bear witness to the Gospel in our families, communities, and beyond. Let us pray for the grace to imitate their love for Christ and their dedication to the Church, so that, like them, we may joyfully carry our crosses and follow Jesus to eternal life.

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