Two Simple Questions to Ask When Pondering Scripture
Both Saints Peter and Paul impacted the Catholic faith prominently and were both martyrs for the faith, enduring persecution and eventual death for following Jesus Christ.
Peter was the Rock on which the Church was built, the first Pope, and among Jesus’ original twelve apostles. Prior to following Jesus, Peter was a fisherman until Jesus called Him to be a “fisher of men” and accompany Jesus in His ministry.
Paul was set apart for the Gospel of God. He was a single man who was an evangelist, writer, and proclaimer of the Gospel to the Gentiles. He wrote 13 of the 21 epistles in the New Testament. Paul is sometimes called the “13th Apostle,” but was not one of the original twelve.
According to Pope Benedict XVI, they are inseparable and together they represent the whole Gospel of Christ. Their lives, labors, sufferings, preachings, and confessions of faith make them worthy of celebration according to St. Augustine of HIppo.
Peter and Paul were men who denied Jesus at different points in their lives, and then converted back to loving Christ and giving up their whole lives to follow Jesus. They are exemplary models of repentance, conversion, and following Jesus Christ even to persecution and death. They both have made a profound impact on the Church.
In what ways is Jesus calling us to that same conversion and following Him and the Gospel with our whole hearts? How is God calling us to make an imprint on the Church in ways unique to me and our gifts?
Katie Zalany lives in Cleveland Ohio. She is a Third Order Secular Franciscan (OFS), spiritual director, benefits/wellness leader, certified health and life coach, and volunteer. She is the creator of the ministry Women in Waiting | Made for Fruitfulness and is a published author. Her writing interests and focus areas include Gospel reflections, Franciscan spirituality, women's spirituality, prayer, and integration of faith and daily living.
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