United in Christ: The Church's Odd Couple

Sunday, June 30, 2025

This guide offers questions for personal reflection and group discussion, drawing on the themes of Fr. Dan’s homily on Saints Peter and Paul. Consider how their story reminds us of the Church’s blessed, messy humanity—and how we are called to walk with one another in humility and love through the practice of accompaniment.

Reflection & Discussion Questions

• Fr. Dan described how Peter and Paul didn’t get along, yet they still worked to build up the Church. When have you struggled to collaborate with someone in ministry, work, or family life?
  Accompaniment Connection: How can we remain committed to unity and shared mission, even when personalities or perspectives clash?

• The early Church had to confront real division—Paul challenging Peter, Peter hesitant to embrace the Gentiles. What current tensions in your community or relationships might God be asking you to face honestly and with grace?
  Accompaniment Connection: How can we model honest dialogue and courageous reconciliation, instead of avoiding or dismissing difficult conversations?

• Fr. Dan reminded us that we often make judgments—even silently—about others. When are you tempted to size people up or write them off?
  Accompaniment Connection: How can practicing nonjudgmental presence open the door for someone to feel seen and loved as they are?

• The homily pointed to how people sometimes divide themselves by church, group, or identity. Where might you be clinging to a sense of “us vs. them”?
  Accompaniment Connection: How can we break down walls and accompany people whose background, parish, or approach is different from ours?

• At the heart of the homily was the reminder: “We’re not with Peter, or Paul—we’re with Jesus.” How does that truth shape your sense of identity and purpose today?
  Accompaniment Connection: How can we help one another remember who we are in Christ when discouragement, comparison, or division sets in?