These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, June 29

I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
(2 Tim 4:6-8,17-18)

The martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul meant that the Church at Rome could claim the two greatest apostles in its crown of righteousness. Both apostles labored each in his own way to bring the gospel to the world. And as the Scriptures testify, both could say: “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”