Feast of St Peter and St Paul

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Thirteenth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 16:13-19*

*First Reading : Acts 12:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9*

*Second Reading :2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18*

*1) St Peter and St Paul*

They are two strong Pillars of the Church, on which the Church of  Christ stands 

They are two bright  lights, burning for Christ, Showing the Way to Heaven

*2) St Peter*

By profession he was a expert fishermen

He comes from Galilee 

He was called by Jesus while fishing 

*3) The Rock (Petros)*

Peter’s name (from Greek Petros, meaning "rock") signifies stability, foundation, and trustworthiness.

Jesus chose Peter as the solid base on which the Church would be built, symbolizing his leadership and apostolic authority.

*4) The Keys of the Kingdom*

The keys represent spiritual authority and the power to bind and loose (to forgive sins, teach doctrine, and guide the Church).

Often depicted in art holding two keys: one gold (divine authority) and one silver (spiritual guidance on earth).

*5) The Fisherman and the Net*

Peter was a fisherman by trade, and Jesus called him to become a "fisher of men."

The net represents the mission of evangelization and drawing souls into the kingdom.

*6) The Rooster*

The rooster reminds us of Peter’s denial of Christ and his repentance.

It stands for human weakness, but also mercy, conversion, and restoration.

*7) The Cross (Upside Down)*

According to tradition, Peter was crucified upside down in Rome because he felt unworthy to die like Christ.

The inverted cross is a symbol of humility and martyrdom, not of anti-Christian belief when used in this context.

*8) Shepherd’s Staff*

Symbolizes Peter’s role as a pastoral leader, guiding and caring for the flock of Christ.

Connects him to the role of the Pope as the chief shepherd of the Church.

*9) St Paul*

Hebrew Name: Saul

Roman Name: Paul (used more often in his missionary work)

Birthplace: Tarsus in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey)

Tribe: Benjamin, Strict Pharisee, Highly Educated: Studied under Gamaliel, a respected Jewish teacher

Roman Citizenship

Converted on the Way to Damascus

*10) The Sword*

Represents the Word of God, which Paul preached boldly and powerfully.

Also recalls his martyrdom, as tradition holds that he was beheaded in Rome.

*11) The Book or Scroll*

Represents his writings (Epistles), which form a major part of the New Testament.

Symbolizes divine wisdom, theology, and apostolic teaching.

His letters guided early Christian communities and continue to shape Christian theology today

*12) Chains or Shackles*

Symbolize Paul’s imprisonments for the sake of the Gospel.

Represent faithful endurance, apostolic suffering, and freedom in Christ despite bondage.

*13) Missionary Journeys of St Paul*

*1st Missionary Journey*

Acts 13–14 | Years: Around 46–48 AD

Companions: Barnabas and John Mark

Places visited : 

Antioch (Syria) Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe

*2nd Missionary Journey*

Acts 15:36–18:22 | Years: Around 49–52 AD

Companions: Silas, Timothy, and later Luke

Places Visited : 

Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea,  Athens, Corinth

*3rd Missionary Journey*

Acts 18:23–21:17 | Years: Around 53–57 AD

Companions: Timothy, others

Long stay in Ephesus (about 3 years)

Places Visited : 

Ephesus, Macedonia,  Greece and Troas

*Journey to Rome (as a prisoner)*

Arrested in Jerusalem, Shipwrecked on Malta, finally arrived in Rome where he preached under house arrest

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*