Peter, the prince of the Apostles, and Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles

Today the Church celebrates these two great apostles and teachers in the faith together. Peter was the “rock” set as the foundation of the Church; Paul was the voice given to the Gospel as he ran his course among the Gentiles (the non-Jews). God dealt with each of them in a “particular” way. Christ changed Simon’s name, giving him the mission of confirming his brothers in the faith. Saul of Tarsus was chosen while he was persecuting Christians: the risen Jesus appeared to him (about five years after the Ascension). —Lord, grant me the strength to continue building up the Church founded upon Peter and Paul.