LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Acts 12:1-11
Responsorial psalm: Ps 33(34):2-9
Second reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
Link to readings
This week we celebrate the feast of the two ‘chief apostles’ – Saints Peter and Paul. Both were faithful rocks on whom Jesus built his Church, unshakeable in their belief that Jesus was the Christ, and ever-faithful to the universal mission he gave them. They can greatly encourage us as we, too, try to be Church today, following Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.
The Church prays continuously for Peter throughout his ordeal as he lies enchained in Herod’s prison. But then an angel comes to release him and Peter realises that the Lord really has saved him. (First Reading) The Psalmist has also been released from his distress, and invites us to glorify God with him. We, too, can trust that the Lord will answer when we seek refuge in him, and will free us from our terrors.
Paul, like Peter, is also in prison, and knows that the end of his life is near. But he rejoices that he has kept faith: God has always been with him in his struggles and will bring him safely home. (Second Reading) As Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Son of the Living God, Jesus establishes him as the rock on which he will build his Church, and entrusts him with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. (Gospel)
This week, as we give thanks for the lives of St Peter and St Paul, we remember their successors: Pope Francis, who inaugurated our Jubilee Year of Hope, and Pope Leo, who now follows him. Together we pray and work for peace in our world.
SECOND READING
2 Timothy 4: 6–8, 17–18
Beloved: I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth 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 have loved his appearing.
The Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
REFLECTION
I come to my place of prayer and I place myself in God’s presence, breathing in his goodness and life.
I allow other concerns to fade as I turn to my God. I read the text slowly a couple of times. I consider Paul, a prisoner in Rome, looking over his life and preparing to meet his Lord.
As he considers his ministry, his heart is full of gratitude. He knows that what he has achieved has only been through the power of God. Can I, too, look back and give thanks? What in particular in my life gives rise to thankfulness? I spend time speaking of this with my Lord.
Paul is also full of confidence – the Lord will rescue him and bring him safely to his kingdom. How do I understand this? As I ponder on Paul’s faith in the face of death, can I remember the Lord upholding me in times of stress, difficulty, doubt . . .? Perhaps here, too, I can give thanks.
Before I end my prayer, I think of those persecuted, whose faith is tested, and ask the Lord to be with them and console them. I close with a slow ‘Our Father’.
GOSPEL
Matthew 16: 13–19
At that time: When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets’. He said to them ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’. And Jesus answered him ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’
REFLECTION
As I prepare to spend time in prayer, I make a conscious effort to relax my body and my mind so as to be alert and receptive to God’s word. I breathe slowly, perhaps asking for a special grace for today.
When ready, I take up the text and take time to read it slowly. Perhaps I can imagine myself with Jesus and the disciples walking quietly, away from Galilee and the crowds. I listen to the disciples as they answer Jesus’s question. What do I think of their replies? And then Jesus asks me personally ‘Who do you say I am?’ The disciples fade away and I am left with Jesus. How do I feel? Maybe I stay with him and tell him what he means to me.
I speak to him and then remain with him as I listen to his voice, or rest quietly in his presence. How do Peter’s words help me? I may wish to consider Jesus’ reply and then pray for his Church, for Peter’s successors, and for all leaders at this difficult time . . . I end my prayer in gratitude for all those in the service of leadership.
Courtesy of St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, UK