Today we remember and celebrate the memory of two great apostles. Both of them gave themselves entirely to their Lord, Jesus, and both of them faced tremendous persecution, culminating in death in Rome.

Peter and Paul were focused on the person of Jesus. Their relationship with him was everything for them. Jesus called them away from their former lives. He missioned them. Daily, it was Jesus who sustained them and gave them life and passion.

Peter and Paul were transformed by the Holy Spirit. They went from being such unlikely apostles to being "on fire" with sharing the Good News of salvation given to us in Jesus. They had the courage and total trust in God. In their passion, they had discernment and openness to let the Spirit lead them. They were open to let their differences be resolved in dialogue and trust in the Spirit's presence among them. And, led by the Spirit to Rome, they surren-dered to death as their Saviour had done for them.

Finally, Peter and Paul never lost sight that they were sinners - loved sinners, sent to share the power of God's love in Jesus. It kept them humble, compassionate with other sinners, always confident in God's loving mercy. They were always aware that their salvation was a tremen-dous gift, which they had not earned.