St. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles
St. Peter, holding the key to heaven (the gold key)
These two statues stand out front of St. Peter's Basilica. They remind us not only of the two men but of the constant challenge in our Christian faith. St. Peter, the first of those entrusted with protecting the deposit of faith. St. Paul who pushed the boundaries and challenged the disciples and apostles to a broader vision of Church.
In every generation their are those who would drag the church to the extremes, and we depend on the Holy Spirit to help us hold fast to the essential truths of he faith and at the same time be constantly open to seeing deeper understanding. The truth Christ taught does not changes, but our understanding and the issues to which we have to apply it with time do change.
Through the intercession of these two great saints, may each of us find that same balanced place in our life.
