Greetings on this the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Mass during the Day
Readings: Acts 12:1-11; PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19
Notes: Happy Birthday! Today is a traditional day to say Happy Birthday to the Church passed down to us from Ss. Peter and Paul!
G-d saves Peter and Paul. Two very different men, two different callings in the Christ, the Son of the living God, and both in need of the mercy of G-d.
Reflection
We would probably go to confession to Peter sooner than to any of the other apostles. He is perhaps a more striking example of the simple fact of holiness. Jesus says to us as he said, in effect, to Peter: “It is not you who have chosen me, but I who have chosen you. Peter, it is not human wisdom that makes it possible for you to believe, but my Father’s revelation. I, not you, build my Church.” Paul’s experience of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus was the driving force that made him one of the most zealous, dynamic, and courageous ambassadors of Christ the Church has ever had. But persecution, humiliation, and weakness became his day-by-day carrying of the cross, material for further transformation. The dying Christ was in him; the living Christ was his life.
Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-peter-and-paul/
First Reading
Peter’s confession
Then Peter recovered his senses and said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.”
It is VERY important to realize the “all that the Jewish people had been expecting” has to do with the predictable actions of Herod and the powerful leadership and NOT the people as a whole.
Responsorial
The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Second Reading
Paul’s confession
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.
Gospel Acclamation
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
Gospel
Who do people say that the Son of Man is?
You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry