Gospel for June 29 2025 – Matthew 16:13-19
Gospel Reflections for June 29 2025
Very different heroes…
The two largest statues at the Vatican are of St. Peter and St. Paul. While there are thousands of women, men, and even children saints, these two saints are the pillars of our faith. Yet, they could not be more different!
Peter was the first Pope chosen by Jesus Himself, and Paul was the author of 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament.
Paul was a Jewish scholar. He was the number one “A” student of Gamaliel, the most famous teacher at that time. He knew the Jewish scriptures completely and so resented this new Christian faith. While on the road to Damascus, Syria, to arrest Christians he had a miraculous conversion to Christianity.
He became a talented disciple accomplishing every task with great energy. He was also amazingly courageous. He was once severely beaten and thrown outside the city gate and left for dead. After recovering, he got back up …and went right back to that city! (Acts 14:19)
In the city of Ephesus, which was dedicated to the Greek God, Artemis, Paul was so successful at converting people that they were no longer buying silver Artemis statues. Thousands of angry silversmiths gathered in the arena to call for his death. Paul was on his way to confront them all when he was, thankfully, talked out of it by other Christians! (Acts 19:23)
Peter was a former fisherman and the first Pope. That is it. That is all we know about him. We do not know why Jesus chose him, and probably never will.
Yet, the scriptures record Paul coming to Jerusalem to consult Peter, a former fisherman, and the other apostles. (Galatians 1:18 and Acts 9:26) That is an amazing act of humility by St. Paul, and his profound respect for the office of Pope.
This also affirmed his authentic conversion to our faith. He respected the decision of Jesus to choose St. Peter and so respected the office that St. Peter held despite Peter’s humble origins.
The church has had an amazing journey through history with some very bad Popes and many saintly Popes. This affirms there is absolutely no human explanation for the Church to still be here after 2,000 years …unless it always has the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit.
St. Paul knew that in the first century, and we can realize it today. We stand on the shoulders of giants, like St. Peter and St. Paul.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
What a study in Human Nature are these two Apostles. Paul changed from a Persecutor of Christians into a Promotor of the Faith. Peter a Fisherman with little education becoming the Head and Leader of the Faith.
Jesus had a profound effect on both and they organized our Religion that has stood the ups and downs of over 2000 years. That is Miraculous indeed.
Let us Celebrate this Faith we live and enjoy with a Prayer of Thanks for what they accomplished.
Very well said!
Thanks Father Dave! Your Vocation is a true Blessing for us all.
47 years and still ticking!
Hi Father Dave: As always, thank you for sharing your grace filled insights. God bless, Argyle
You are very welcome!
Thank you for that very interesting comparison of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The Lord chooses his disciples from all walks of life and states of their souls.
Yes, and Our Lord knows how our particular talents can help build the Kingdom of God!
Fr. Dave Heney
Thank you for your spiritual support it confirms and strengthen my faith hope Charity
Joannes (Jan) Wennink
Your are very welcome!
Hi Fr. Dave
Jesus choose Simon to be called Peter because his faith was deep (the rock) where his church would be built on. He was the first of the apostles to call him the son of God. Simon before being called Peter was the brother of Andrew who fished with John and James. They were all some of his first apostles. Judas being his last and a traitor:(
Yes, Jesus saw in Peter just what He wanted to lead the early Church. He does the same for each of us as well.
They were not just fishermen they were faulty and sinners and that is what Jesus wanted. To heal the sick not the righteous. Xo MJ
Yes, He chose truly human people who knew the struggles of life.