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The Twin Pillars of the Church

Background Music: Panalangin by Mark Anthony Cuevas
    Voiced by: Sr. Venus Marie S. Pegar, sfx
                      Sisters of St. Francis Xavier

June 29, 2025 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Daily Readings: Acts 12: 1-11; 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16: 13-19


Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles   
   
Here is the reflection on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul—two pillars of the Church whose undaunted faith, courage, and martyrdom continue to inspire us.

Peter, by nature, is impulsive, emotional, and often imperfect. Yet Jesus sees beyond his weaknesses and entrusts him with the keys of the Kingdom. Today’s Gospel reminds us of Peter’s profession of faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16). This confession becomes the foundation of the Church. His life reminds us that God uses our weaknesses to reveal His mighty power and strength.

Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, is radically transformed by his encounter with the Risen Lord. He becomes the Apostle to Gentiles, tirelessly proclaiming Christ crucified. He speaks of having “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Even in chains, he finds freedom in Christ. His letters, long journeys, suffering, and courage became the seeds of his mission.

Peter and Paul come from different temperaments and backgrounds, yet are united in the same Spirit of the Risen Lord. Peter becomes the “rock” upon which Jesus builds His Church. Paul becomes the chosen vessel to bring the Good News to the Gentiles. Peter, despite his denials, is restored by Jesus and becomes a powerful leader. Paul, once a destroyer of Christianity, is transformed into a great missionary. Their lives remind us that failure is not final—God’s grace can turn even the greatest flaws into instruments of glory.

Ultimately, Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was beheaded. Their deaths were not defeats but triumphant testimonies to faith.

Call to Action: 

  • In what areas of your life do you need conversion? Like Peter and Paul, are you willing to rise after failure and be open to radical transformation?
  • Be bold in proclaiming the Gospel.

 

 

Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.”  Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.