I welcome you to the solemnity of Peter and Paul. Peter and Paul are outstanding figures in Christianity. Peter raised his hand and said you are the christ, who made Peter the leader of the church--the first pope. In spite of the differences of Peter and Paul, Jesus made them holy because they had a special mission that was to spread the word of Jesus: the power of grace, to be good news of holiness. Paul was a learned pharisees. Peter was a fisherman. Peter was saying that gentiles had to follow messianic law. Paul said no, acceptance of Jesus is the hallmark of entering the church. Peter was fearful and impulsive; he denied Jesus. Peter ran from his responsibilities and encountered Jesus, who gave him courage to back to Rome where he was executed. Saul saw Jesus on his way to prosecute Christians and became Paul. The church celebrate them as pillars of the church. We also have our shortcomings but do not let them prevent the love of God to come to you. Because they died without giving up their faith, the church celebrates them. Christianity going the extra mile is to forgive and give to those that may hurt you. May we be granted the grace of God so that God can make good of our defects and weaknesses. Amen