Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

On June 29, 2025, a homily was delivered in honor of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. The message focused on the challenges and sufferings associated with serving the Lord, as illustrated by the lives of these two apostles.

The homily highlighted Peter's transformation from a man who denied Jesus out of fear to one who boldly preached His name despite imprisonment. "Now, however, he is so bold in preaching the Lord Jesus that he is thrown in prison," it stated. It recounted how an angel freed Peter from his chains, allowing him to continue his mission until his crucifixion in Rome.

Similarly, Paul's journey from persecutor to apostle was emphasized. "Then, on the road to Damascus, he actually encountered the risen Jesus," it noted. This encounter led Paul to spread Christianity far and wide despite facing numerous persecutions until his eventual martyrdom.

The sermon stressed that both apostles were driven by their profound love for Jesus. "He was crazy in love with Jesus," it said about both Peter and Paul. Their love enabled them to endure hardships joyfully.

It also urged believers not just to practice religion superficially but to build faith on "the one solid rock that is the Lord Jesus himself." By doing so, followers can withstand life's challenges with joy.

The homily concluded by encouraging people to encounter Jesus through the Eucharist and share His love with others. It praised Peter and Paul as examples of enduring faith and radical love for Christ.