Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝 - [Jun 29th Bulletin]

Dear St. Philip Family & Friends,

We give praise and thanks to God for the graces and blessings He has given us! Today we celebrate the great Solemnity of Sts. Peter & Paul, two pillars of the Church and faithful apostles of Jesus Christ. Though they were very different in background and temperament, the Church honors them together because their lives and their martyrdoms stand as a united witness to the truth of the Gospel.

Peter was a fisherman, a simple man who often spoke before he thought, yet one whom Jesus called "the rock" upon which He would build His Church. Paul was a scholar, a former persecutor of Christians, fiercely intelligent and passionate. Despite their differences, both were chosen, transformed, and sent by the Lord to proclaim the Good News. Both laid down their lives for Christ, even to be martyred.

In today's Gospel, we hear the moment when Peter makes his great confession of faith: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus responds not with a compliment, but with a mission. He gives Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Peter, who had moments of weakness and fear, is still entrusted with the care of the Church. This tells us something important. Jesus does not choose people based on their perfection, but on their willingness to follow Him. Grace builds on weakness when it is surrendered in trust.

In the first reading, we hear of Peter's imprisonment. The early Church was under persecution. Yet even in chains, Peter is not abandoned. An angel of the Lord comes to him in the night, breaks his bonds, and leads him out into freedom. This image of Peter being led from darkness into light reminds us that God is always faithful. Even when we are surrounded by difficulty, God opens paths we cannot see.

In the second reading, St. Paul speaks near the end of his life. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." There is no bitterness in his words, only peace. Paul looks back, not with regret, but with confidence in the Lord's mercy. He knows that his strength came not from himself, but from God. "The Lord stood by me and gave me strength" he says. What a beautiful testimony of trust.

Both Peter and Paul teach us that being a Christian means living with conviction. It means speaking the truth even when it is unpopular. It means forgiving those who hurt us and loving those who disagree with us. Their lives were not easy, but they were faithful. They made mistakes, they suffered, and they gave everything for Christ. And through their faithfulness, the Church spread throughout the world.

So, what can we learn from these two great saints today? First, we are reminded that God can use any of us, no matter our past, our weaknesses, or our failures. Peter denied Jesus. Paul persecuted His followers. Yet both became saints. Second, we are reminded that our faith is not private. It is meant to be proclaimed. Whether we are at home, at work, or in the public square, we are called to stand with Christ, as Peter and Paul did. Finally, we are reminded that holiness is not about being perfect. It is about being faithful. It is about getting up when we fall, about trusting in God's mercy, and about finishing the race with our eyes fixed on heaven.

Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us. Help us to be strong in faith, bold in witness, and humble in service, so that we too may one day receive the crown of righteousness that the Lord has prepared for all who love Him.

Please invite someone to Mass today. St. Philip Neri, pray for us.

Have a blessed day,

Fr. Szparagowski