St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

26. Peter & Paul: Two Saints, One Hope

Dear brothers and sisters,   

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul - two giants of the faith; two different paths, one united witness. Their feast gives us a message of hope for us here and now. They were not saints because they were flawless, but because they allowed grace to transform their weakness. That is our hope too.

Peter: Hope after Failure: Peter was bold, he stepped out of the boat to walk on water. But he also sank. He swore loyalty to Jesus, then denied Him three times when it mattered most. But Jesus didn't cancel Peter. He called him back and entrusted him with the Church: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” (Mt 16:18) No matter how we fall, Christ hopes in us and calls us back.

Paul: Hope through Conversion: Paul was not just indifferent to Christ - he actively persecuted His followers. But on the road to Damascus, Jesus didn’t destroy Paul. He redeemed him. He gave Paul a new mission, a new identity, and a new fire. Paul suffered, yet he was soaked in joy and hope; and writes “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13). Even our past mistakes can’t limit God's plan for us; because His mercy is stronger than our worst sin.

Unity in Mission: They were different: Peter, a fisherman; Paul, a scholar. Yet they both died as martyrs for the same Lord. They tell us “The Church is built not on perfection, but on grace.” If God could use a denier (Peter) and a persecutor (Paul) to build His Church, He can use you and me, in our brokenness, doubts, and sins, if we live in hope, walk in courage, and witness with joy. Let us not “give-up”, but “give-in”, to God.

Prayers and Blessings!

                                               Bishop Kelly's Pastoral Letter 
                                              Carta Pastoral - Pentecostes -Espanol

                                    Please pray for vocations to the priesthood,
                              for the Priests of our Diocese; & for our Bishop.
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