Editorial | July 6, 2022
Two contrasting personalities geared and called to carry on a mission. A mission to spread the Word of God to the world.
Peter, a fisherman, was called to follow Christ and became a fisher of men. He spent his life living with and learning directly from the Savior. All the while, he was called the leader of the Apostles.
Paul, formerly Saul, was a Pharisaic scholar under the tutelage of Gamaliel, arguably amongst the best teachers that time. He was enamored by the Scriptures that he considered the Apostles blasphemers. After the crucifixion, Saul hunted the Apostles. He particularly searched for Peter and persecuted the Apostles. Eventually, he was tricked that Peter was heading for Damascus. He sought permission from the temple to head into Damascus but eventually was blinded with that bright light.
Saul was blinded by the light. But the Good Lord has other plans for his persecutor. He instructed Ananias to heal and baptize Saul.
Converted, Saul, or Paul was jubilant to meet his brothers. Oh, his former targets. His first confrontation with Peter must be very cinematic, dramatic, and a conversation worthy of front-row seats. Peter must be so annoyed and doubtful how his former tormentor got the guts to call him brother.
Paul went on to exploit his mastery of the Scriptures. He wrote epistles to the different churches. His preaching owned half of the New Testament’s gospels.
As this City of Beautiful People come to celebrate this year’s fiesta in honor of Sts. Peter and Paul, let us reflect on the life and wisdom of our patrons.
Before the conversion, Peter and Saul were like cat-and-mice. Enemies, just could not get along. Like them, we Ormocanons may have differences, be it personal, political or in any aspect. But such doesn’t eventually mean we cannot forgive and establish a rapport for the better good. The common goal.
And as this City by the Bay continue to rise above the laurels of governance, we Ormocanons must set aside differences and work together for the betterment of our society.
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