We can see in Peter and Paul individuals with very different backgrounds and very different ways they respond to their callings from God. Yet, both Peter and Paul were called to work in ministry together, to build up the Kingdom of God in the Early Church and to bring converts to the faith. Peter was called to be a disciple out of his work as a fisherman. He probably did not have much formal education. Peter was a member of the original group of Apostles; he was surrounded by Jewish followers of Christ as they journeyed with him. Peter served as a leader in the early Church after Christ’s death and resurrection; he tried to serve the interests of the Jewish followers of Christ in the tensions they were having with both the Gentiles and with the other Jews.
In some ways, Paul was the opposite of Peter. Paul was a thinker, an intellectual, a well-educated man, a privileged member of the Pharisees. Paul did not know Jesus during Jesus’ life here on earth. Paul felt called to bring the Good News to all, reaching out to the Gentiles in a special way.
Both Peter and Paul could be bold and direct. They clashed and argued at times, but they both became leaders in the Church. Despite their differences, they both greatly influenced the faith that we practice today. They both lived and died courageously for the faith.
Like Peter and Paul, we are called to be missionary in spirit, to be true to the Gospel, and true to the calling God has for each one of us.
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