Welcome to this gathering at Lugarno Peakhurst Uniting Church on Sunday 4 May 2025. Our readings today provide a stark contrast between Jesus’ call on Peter, a fisherman, who before the crucifixion had denied three times that he knew Jesus. Peter was restored as a leader following his threefold confession of love for Jesus. Peter’s ministry was primarily to Jews. Paul, unlike Peter’s lower social standing, was a high-ranking Pharisee, who spent his time persecuting Christians and having them arrested. He was confronted on the road to Damascus by Jesus and blinded by the light. Following a conversation with Jesus, Paul was led into Damascus, where Ananias met up with him. He told Paul that he was to lay hands on him, so he would receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. He was now a fully-fledged follower of Jesus. Unlike Peter’s Jewish ministry, Paul’s was primarily to Gentiles and his three missionary journeys covered large parts of Roman occupied territory.
