Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul – Cycle C
Reflecting on Matthew 16: 13-19
Peter and Paul had much in common. They lived, at times, in the same city (Jerusalem), and died in the same city (Rome). After their professions of faith, their names were changed. Saul became Paul, and Simon became Peter (Petra), whose faith was the rock upon which Christ built his church. And he will call his servants by a new name (Is. 65:15).
They both fell to their knees in awe before Christ. For Peter, it was at the beginning of his journey with Jesus, when, after fishing all night and catching nothing, Jesus instructed him to cast his net on the other side of the boat, and a miraculous catch of fish followed. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8).
St. Paul’s fall is the most famous in all history: As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9: 3,4)
Using the contemporary language around recovery, they both went into Spiritual Rehab after they betrayed Jesus. Peter went out and wept bitterly after denying that he knew Jesus (Luke 22: 62-64).
Paul, on the way to bring letters of authorization to persecute the Church, was struck blind for three days, and was ministered to by those whom he had thought were his enemies, the leaders of the Church in Damascus.
Some traditions insist that these two great saints died at the hands of the Emperor Nero on the same day, June 29th, 57 AD.
Sts. Peter and Paul, pray for us!
How have their stories been instrumental in the formation of your faith?
Kathy McGovern ©2025