Gospel in Art: Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

Saints Peter and Paul, by Carlo Crivelli. Painted in 1470s. Tempera on poplar ©National Gallery London

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 30 June 2024
Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' And they said, 'Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But you,' he said 'who do you say I am?' Then Simon Peter spoke up, 'You are the Christ,' he said 'the Son of the living God.' Jesus replied, 'Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.'

Reflection on the painting

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a tradition that dates back to as early as 258 AD. Both apostles are venerated as the founders of the See of Rome, through their preaching, active ministry, and martyrdom in the city.

In our painting by Carlo Crivelli, we see both saints deeply engaged in conversation over a Bible text. Peter is pointing out a specific passage to Paul, who carries his own copy with a bookmark in the passage he has selected to show Peter. Both saints are depicted with bare feet and adorned with tooled gilt halos. Peter holds the weighty set of keys hanging from his left wrist, symbolising the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven given to him by Christ at the end of today's Gospel reading. Saint Paul is depicted with long dark hair, leaning on the sword used for his execution. Together, they symbolise the Catholic Church: Paul as the Apostle to the Gentiles and Peter as the Vicar of Christ and first Bishop of Rome.

Peter and Paul came from vastly different backgrounds: Peter was a fisherman from Galilee, while Paul was a learned Pharisee from the university city of Tarsus. Peter knew Jesus from the time of Jesus' baptism; Paul encountered the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. Both men had significant flaws. Three times Peter publicly denied knowing Jesus, and Paul violently persecuted the Church. Yet, their imperfections did not prevent the Lord from working powerfully through them. Peter became the leader of the Twelve Apostles and the rock on which Jesus built his Church, while Paul became the great apostle to the Gentiles.

Despite their differences and a serious disagreement recorded in the Letter to the Galatians about the direction the Church should take, Peter and Paul continued to serve the Lord in their unique ways. Their dedication and missions sometimes led them down different paths, but they remained united in their faith and purpose. Their unity is most profoundly illustrated in their martyrdom. Their stories remind us that the Lord can use us powerfully despite our flaws.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-16-13-19-2024-2/