SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES

Saints Peter and Paul

Peter and Paul, though two central figures in early Christianity, had distinct personalities and backgrounds, but they shared the same faith in Christ and a very important role in preaching the message of Jesus. Peter, known for his early leadership and closeness to Jesus, often acted as the leader of the group of twelve apostles. Paul, on the other hand, became an apostle after Jesus 'resurrection and dedicated his life to traveling and preaching to Gentiles (non-Jews) and forming many communities outside the Jewish realm.

Peter was a humble fisherman. Paul had a greater intellectual and religious formation due to his Greek and Jewish origin, as well as a Pharisaic tradition. Peter dedicated himself in his early years as an apostle to preaching in the Jewish communities. Paul devoted himself entirely to the non-Jewish communities, the pagans. Peter cowered and denied Jesus when he was arrested. Paul was a persecutor of Christians.

Both represent that plural identity of Christianity, where people of all languages, people, races and origins are integrated... The central point of this feast is not so much to look at the differences between one apostle and another, but to celebrate what each one contributed to the mission that Christ entrusted to them. And they also knew how to put the person of Jesus as the essential part of their preaching. A gospel that excludes no one and a mission that is addressed to all peoples and nations.

Fr. Tarcisio