The Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul is celebrated in
both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Invitation
May I draw your attention to
the daily Gospel reading
This invitation seeks to convey the joy
of the gospel. Everyone, without exception
can experience that joy by opening his or her heart
to the healing power of the Word of God.
Available every day
Consideration
The first reading tells how Peter is imprisoned by Herod, with a view to his condemnation. This suggests the worst, as earlier James, John’s brother, had been killed by the king. While Peter is locked in the dungeon, the Church prays fervently for him. God answers his Church’s prayer, Peter is miraculously saved by God’s loving help.
In the second reading, Paul bears witness to a similar experience. He too can count on God’s help. We celebrate this feast precisely because both apostles – after struggling and repenting – went the way of Jesus themselves. while trusting in their own strength, their weaknesses became especially apparent. Eventually, each in their own way, they allowed the resurrection forces of Jesus into their lives. Only then did they become a source of strength, inspiration and encouragement. Therein also lies the strength of the Church today. She can be a sign to many that not so much personal power and worldly success lead to lasting happiness, but that self-giving leads to lasting wealth and happiness.
FIRST READING ACT 12, 1-11
Now I am sure that the Lord has delivered me from the power of Herod.
From the power of Herod.
From the Acts of the Apostles
In those days
King Herod laid hands on certain members of the church
to abuse them:
James, the brother of John,
had him killed with the sword.
Sensing that this pleased the Jews, he also had Peter imprisoned.
He also had Peter imprisoned.
It was exactly in the days of unleavened bread.
When he had seized him
he put him in prison
and had him guarded by four groups of soldiers,
each of four men;
It was his intention
to bring Peter before the people after the Passover.
While Peter was in prison
the church prayed fervently to God for him.
The day before, Herod wanted him taken away,
Peter lay bound with two chains,
sleeping between two soldiers,
while at the prison gate
guard stood at the prison gate.
Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood beside him, and the cell was illuminated.
And the cell was illuminated.
He struck Peter in his side,
woke him up and spoke:
‘Get up quickly.’
Immediately the chains fell from his hands.
Then the angel said:
“Put on your belt
and put on your sandals.
Peter did so.
The angel continued:
‘Put on your cloak and follow me.’
He went with him
not yet realising
that what the angel was doing was real:
He thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed the first and second guards
and came to the iron gate that led to the city;
It opened automatically.
They went out,
they walked down a street
and suddenly the angel had disappeared.
Then Peter came to himself and said:
“Now I am sure
that the Lord has sent his angel
and has delivered me from the power of Herod
and from all that the people of the Jews expected.
INTERLUDIUM Ps 34(33), 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
The Lord has saved me from everything I feared.
I will praise the Lord all my days,
His praise is always on my lips.
My spirit is proud of the Lord’s favour,
Let all who hear it rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me
And let us worship His name in chorus.
I went to the Lord and He heard me,
He saved me from everything I feared.
Abide in Him, then you will be happy,
for He will not forsake you.
The Lord hears those who cry out in fear
And rescues them from their misery.
The angel of God puts a stronghold around them,
To protect all who fear God.
Behold and see how merciful the Lord is,
Happy is he who seeks salvation with him.
SECOND READING 2 Tim. 4, 6-8,17-18
Now the crown of righteousness awaits me.
From the holy apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy
Beloved,
As for me
my blood will soon be shed,
the hour of my death is at hand.
I have fought the good fight,
completed the race,
I have kept the faith.
Now the crown of righteousness awaits me
with which the Lord, the righteous judge
will reward me on the great day, and not only me
but to all who await His coming with love.
The Lord has been by my side and has given me strength
to fulfil my ministry as a preacher of the gospel
to the end,
so that all nations may hear of it,
and I was rescued from the clutches of the lion.
The Lord will continue to protect me from all evil attacks
and will bring me preserved into his heavenly kingdom.
To Him be the glory forever and ever.
Amen.
ALLELUIAH Mt 16:18
Alleluia.
You are Peter
and on this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of hell will not overwhelm it.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL Mt 16:13-19
You are Peter and I will give you the keys
of the kingdom of heaven
From the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
Matthew
In those days
when Jesus had come to the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples this question
“Who is
according to the opinion of men
the Son of Man?”
They replied:
“Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
others Jeremiah or one of the prophets”.
“But you
– He spoke to them.
Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter replied:
“You are the Christ,
the Son of the living God.
Jesus continued:
“Blessed are you Simon, son of Jonah,
for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you
but my Father in heaven.
“In turn, I say to you:
“You are Peter
and on this rock I will build my church
and the gates of hell will not be able to overcome her.
“To you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
And what you bind on earth
will also be bound in heaven
and what you resolve on earth
will also be resolved in heaven”.
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Continued
Every morning at 1 am
The Bible text of this issue is taken from The New Translation of the Bible,
Wednesday©Netherlands Bible Society 2004/2007.
Reflections on liturgical suggestions for weekdays and Sundays