Jun 29 – Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, apostles
Peter (c.1–64) was a professional fisherman. He was the brother of St. Andrew the Apostle, the man who led him to Christ. Given the name Simon, he was renamed “Peter” (rock) by Jesus to indicate that Peter would be the rock-like foundation on which the Church would be built. He later became a bishop and was the first pope. He was also a miracle worker.
Paul (c.3–c.65) was a Jewish Talmudic student and a Pharisee. He was a tent-maker by trade. Saul the Jew hated and persecuted the Christians as heretical, even assisting at the stoning of St. Stephen the Martyr. On his way to Damascus, Syria, to arrest another group of faithful, he was knocked to the ground, struck blind by a heavenly light, and given the message that in persecuting him, causing his conversion to Christianity.
He was baptized, changed his name to Paul to reflect his new persona, and began travelling, preaching, and teaching. His letters to the churches he helped found, form a large percentage of the New Testament. He knew and worked with many of the earliest saints and Fathers of the Church. He died a martyr for the faith.
- Patron Saint Index
Acts 12:1-11
2 Tim 4:6-8,17-18
Mt 16:13-19
I have kept the faith…
I was blessed to have received my university’s first ever 15-year long service award a fortnight ago. Amongst the many congratulatory messages from colleagues, one stood out for me – ‘You are our role model for resilience and dedication’. Over the days and weeks, other messages have come in, even from ex-colleagues. Naturally, some ‘reunions’ are being planned (one on one) just so I can catch up on others’ journeys since they left the university.
It has truly been a journey of faith and hope – through different roles, responsibilities and…bosses. And looking back, when I first started in February 2010, I would never have imagined receiving any form of award at all simply for showing up. That said, it has been a real slog, especially in the early, formative years of our young institution. Admittedly, the last 2 to 3 years have been a breeze in comparison, especially after I stepped down from my senior, external-facing role.
Along the way, I have been offered various ‘outs’ – both from new bosses (to explore opportunities within) and from external sources. Each time, after praying about my choices, I decided to just trust in Him and walk down the various paths that were offered to me. It wasn’t so much a ‘there’s nothing to lose’ mindset but more of a ‘if it is what He wills for me, then He will show me the light at the end of whichever road I went down’. Till today, I continue to remain in the role I took on 3 years ago, doing whatever I can to help engage with the Punggol community around us. And it is a role I still enjoy.
I must testify that I could not have endured without our Lord’s steadfast love and encouragement. He never let me down during those times I questioned my choices to stay on and persevere, despite challenging situations (and people). I look back and truly think that he placed me in this institution so that I could come back to Him in 2011, when I had the opportunity to attend the Conversion Experience Retreat (CER) and encounter Jesus personally.
Since then, all manner of rough waves, crosses and challenges have come my way; but thanks to His grace and providence, I have managed to weather them quite well and now find myself in a period of relative calm – just like on the Sea of Galilee – where the boat is quite still and moving on an even keel.
Brothers and sisters, no matter how rough or tumultuous life seems to get, God will always have our back and steer us through the rough waters. All He asks is for us to keep faith in Him and to stay in touch – through regular prayer. Above all, He never lets us down. Nor will He ever let us go.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Lord, teach us to trust You more, and to rest in the quiet power of Your presence.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Father, for meeting us where we are, and filling our days with unexpected grace.
OXYGEN 
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