Worship - 29 June 2025

Summary of this week's theme

Bridge builders have long known that tension is essential to a bridge’s strength.  That image helps us reflect on today’s feast of Saints Peter and Paul - two towering, but very different, figures in the early Church.  It’s almost ironic that they share a feast day.  Their relationship, as shown in Scripture, was marked more by friction than friendship.

Peter, from Paul’s perspective, might have seemed slow and provincial - unschooled, hesitant, even hypocritical at times.  Paul, on the other hand, probably came across to Peter as brash, elitist, and dismissive of tradition - arriving late to the faith, having once persecuted believers.  Yet out of the tension between them, something remarkable was built.

Their very differences gave rise to a Church capable of embracing both the personal, intimate nature of Jesus’ ministry and the broad, world-encompassing vision of the gospel.  Their conflicts didn’t prevent growth; rather, they helped shape a Church that holds diverse experiences and understandings together - held in creative tension like the cables of a strong bridge.

In Peter, we see a growing understanding of Jesus, grounded in experience and shaped through trial.  In Paul, we see a theological richness that expands our view of Christ - beautifully summarised in his letter to the Philippians: Christ, though divine, humbled himself to serve and die, and was raised in glory.

This shared witness contributes to a mosaic of Christ’s identity - and invites us to consider our own.  In a world that champions individualism, we’re reminded that our identities are not self-possessed, but shaped in relationship - to others, to creation, and to God.  We are called, like Peter and Paul, into community: flawed, faithful, and forming one body in Christ.

The Bible reflects this truth.  Its disciples are deeply human - weak, yet courageous, stumbling, yet faithful.   Despite all this, Jesus calls such people to follow him, to help build his kingdom.

Ultimately, Jesus is the true bridge - between God and humanity.  Peter and Paul, with all their tensions, helped lay the foundation for that bridge through word and witness.  The challenge for us is this: across what tensions do we now need to build bridges?  Between generations, cultures, or denominations?  Are we ready to be co-builders with Christ, even - perhaps especially - when it’s hard?