Here are the saints who, while living in this world, planted the Church, watering it with their blood. They drank from the Lord’s cup and became friends of God.

 

Here are the saints who, while living in this world, planted the Church, watering it with their blood. They drank from the Lord’s cup and became friends of God.

We are gathered to celebrate the solemnity of the apostles Peter and Paul. By different means, both fought the good fight of faith and, united by martyrdom, they receive equal veneration throughout the world. On this day of the Pope, let us pray in a special way for the Bishop of Rome, successor of the apostles.

First Reading: Acts 12:1-11

The Word of God invites us to persevere in faith and witness, even in the midst of difficulties, so that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ, who walks at our side.

A reading from the Acts of the Apostles – In those days, 1King Herod arrested some members of the Church to torture them. 2He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he also arrested Peter. It was the Day of Unleavened Bread. 4After Herod had arrested Peter, he put him in prison, and he was guarded by four groups of soldiers, each with four soldiers. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5While Peter was being kept in prison, the church prayed to God continually for him. 6Herod was about to bring him out. That night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while the guards were keeping watch at the prison door. 7Then the angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. The angel touched Peter on the shoulder and woke him up. “Get up quickly!” The chains fell off his hands. 8The angel said to him, “Buckle yourself and put on your sandals.” Peter obeyed, and the angel said to him, “Put on your outer garment and come with me.” 9Peter followed him, not knowing that what was happening through the angel was real, because he thought he was seeing it in a vision. 10After passing through the first and second guards, they came to the iron gate that led into the city. The gate opened by itself. They went out and walked down a street, and immediately the angel left him. 11Then Peter came to his senses and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord sent his angel to rescue me from Herod’s power and from everything the Jewish people were expecting.” – The word of the Lord.

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

A reading from the second letter of Saint Paul to Timothy – Beloved, 6I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure is near. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8And now there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day. and not only to me, but also to all who long for his glorious appearing. 17But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, and he made sure that the message was proclaimed through me in full and heard by all the nations; and I was rescued from the mouth of the lion. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil and will save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever! Amen. – Word of the Lord.

Gospel: Matthew 16,13-19

You are Peter and on this rock / I will build my Church; / the gates of hell / will not overcome it (Mt 16,18). – R.

Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Matthew – At that time, 13Jesus went to the region of Caesarea Philippi and there he asked his disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus answered, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18Therefore I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” – Word of salvation. On the Solemnity of Peter and Paul, we have the Gospel of Peter’s profession of faith. After being accompanied by his disciples, Jesus wants to know what they think of him. According to the people, Jesus is one of the ancient prophets who had been resurrected. The vision of his followers is given by Peter, the group’s representative: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus praises him for the answer revealed by the Father and gives him the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. The keys represent service for the Kingdom. The mission of Peter and all of Jesus’ disciples is a challenging one, which requires courage and discernment, as they will encounter many challenges and obstacles. The Church celebrates the martyrdom of Peter and Paul on the same date, as they were faithful to Jesus until death. The question remains for us: Who is Jesus to me? We will tell him who he truly is if our actions reflect what he taught and lived. Therefore, more than responding in words, we must respond with gestures of love.