Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles

On an Episcopal 'ordo' calendar this day pops up in bright red amongst a sea of Pentecost greenery. Today we celebrate the martyrdom of Peter and Paul; in life they had numerous differences, but in death they are together, killed during the persecution under Nero in about 64AD.... or common era as it is termed in these days.

These two great leaders of the early church each have their own feast days --- Peter on January 18 for his 'confession' (i.e. "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God"), Paul on January 25 for his conversion on the road to Damascus (on the way to persecute more Christians).

Peter - who often acted first and reflected later - was a regular, working class guy. Peter who could confess the true identity of Jesus and later deny knowing Him at all. Passionate Peter: I believe there is a trace of Peter in all of us.

Paul - polished, ready to argue his way into and out of just about anything - had status in both the Roman and Jewish worlds. Sometimes we are astounded at his eloquence and humility; other times we bristle at his near arrogance (he, after all, labeled himself an apostle!).

Peter led the way for Jews to follow Jesus and Paul made a case for the rest of us to come onboard. The Church calls them both Apostles- early disciples and later teachers following the principles of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!