HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, YEAR C. (29TH JUNE, 2025)

This is your usual programme: 'GOD IS WITH YOU' by your humble servant, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Bartholomew Koroma, CSSp. A member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers, commonly known as Spiritans.
Today, we are celebrating the Solemnity of two great Apostles, Peter and Paul. Saint Peter, whose original name was Simon, was called by Jesus and given the name Peter, which means ‘Rock.’ Jesus entrusted the Church to his care. He became the Leader of the Apostles, the first Pope. He was given the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven by Jesus Christ, based on Matthew 16:18-19. His mission was to evangelize the Jews. He was crucified upside down in Rome around AD 64-67, as he felt unworthy to die like Christ. Peter represents the stability and authority of the Church, as Christ entrusted him with leadership and the care of His flock.
On the other hand, Saint Peter, whose original name was Saul of Tarsus, was a Jewish Pharisee and Roman citizen; he persecuted Christians before his conversion. He had a dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. He was an Apostle to the Gentiles, a prolific New Testament writer, who wrote 13 Epistles. It is worth noting that Paul evangelized non-Jews across the Roman Empire. He was beheaded in Rome in AD 67, a more "honourable" death due to Roman citizenship. Paul embodies missionary zeal and theological depth, tirelessly preaching Christ to the nations.
Our First Reading is taken from Acts of the Apostles 12:1–11. This passage describes the persecution of the early Church under King Herod Agrippa I. Herod has James, the brother of John, executed, and seeing this pleases the Jewish leaders, he arrests Peter during the Passover festival. Peter is imprisoned under tight security, chained and guarded by four squads of soldiers.

The Second Reading is coming from the Second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18. Here, Saint Paul reflects on his life and mission as he nears the end of his earthly journey. Writing from prison and aware that his execution is near, Paul uses the imagery of a sacrificial offering, saying, “I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand.” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6). He expresses peace and fulfillment, knowing he has "fought the good fight," "finished the race," and "kept the faith." With confidence, Paul looks forward to receiving “the crown of righteousness,” which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award not only to him but also to all who have longed for Christ’s appearance.
Despite facing abandonment by others, Paul testifies that the Lord stood by him and gave him strength so that he could boldly proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. He credits God with rescuing him “from the lion’s mouth” - a metaphor likely referring to mortal danger or unjust judgment. Paul’s deep trust in God is evident as he proclaims, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:18)
Our Gospel is from Matthew 16:13-19. In this passage, Jesus poses a crucial question to His disciples while traveling in the region of Caesarea Philippi: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples respond with various answers, mentioning John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Then Jesus asks them directly, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter answers with bold faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus praises Peter’s response, saying that this truth was not revealed by human means, but by God the Father. Because of Peter’s faith, Jesus gives him a special role in the Church, saying:
“You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Jesus then entrusts Peter with the “keys to the kingdom of heaven,” symbolizing authority and leadership. He also grants him the power to bind and loose on earth, which will be reflected in heaven, an expression of spiritual authority and responsibility.
Our Gospel is from Matthew 16:13-19In the First Reading, the early Church responded to Peter’s imprisonment with fervent, united prayer. In times of crisis, whether personal, communal, or global, this reminds believers that prayer is not passive; it is a powerful act of faith that can bring real change, comfort, and even miracles. In situations of illness, injustice, or uncertainty, turn first to prayer. Churches and families today are encouraged to pray collectively for those who are suffering or persecuted.