Saints Peter and Paul

 This Sunday, Mass was celebrated for Saints Peter and Paul. The priest told us that despite being very different, Jesus chose them to be the first missionaries of the Church. Saint Peter was a fisherman, and despite having been with Jesus proclaiming the Kingdom of God, Peter denied Jesus three times. However, it was Peter who, moved by God the Father, recognized that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. It was he to whom Jesus said he would build his Church. It was Peter who led the early Church and evangelized the first communities. Paul was a scholar, an expert in the Holy Scriptures, and an avid persecutor of Christians. However, Jesus chose him to be the evangelizer of the pagans, of the first Christian communities. Paul, before being called Paul, was called Saul. But on a journey, he fell—I don't quite remember the animal that was carrying him—a bright light blinded him, and he heard, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked who was speaking and heard, "It is Jesus whom you are persecuting." From then on, Paul converted to Christianity and began preaching the gospel, now with his sight restored. Both died preaching the truth. Saint Peter died crucified upside down, and Saint Paul was beheaded. The priest tells us that they show us how we are all called to be missionaries, no matter where we come from or where we are. They say that God doesn't choose the prepared, he prepares those he chooses, no matter how you feel at the moment. He has a mission for you. I was listening to a priest the other day advising a man to join the night worshippers. The Lord listened to his advice, and his life changed; it made sense. Take heart; there are countless groups in the church you can participate in. You'll see how God strengthens you and you'll be happier. I've been in several groups, the choir, and I currently proclaim the Word of God at Mass (I read the readings). And God has offered me His friendship and sustains me when I think I can't go on. He has always been with you. Encourage yourself to be a missionary of God's love; you will see that you will not regret it. As Saint Paul said, "Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel."