The WORD
today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062917-day.cfm)
reminds me that I should be like Sts Peter and Paul who continued to
serve God no matter what situation they were in.
As
we celebrate the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, we should aspire to be
like them.
The first reading shows us what
great things God has done to Peter. He was captured, chained and was set to
die. A lot of guards were guarding him to be sure he cannot escape. Then we see
that nothing really is impossible with
God! God hears the prayers of his people! God sent an angel
to take Peter away from a seemingly impossible situation. God turned the hopeless situation
into one which shows his great love,
power and glory! Peter continued to serve God even if he was in prison, even if
times were tough.
Another great servant of God,
Paul’s final moments was recalled in the second reading. Yes, he gave his all
for God. He was tired, yet
very happy and satisfied with how he lived his life in service of
God. Until the end, he had complete and full faith in God,
something we can aspire to have, something we can work to have.
God appreciates
hard work done for Him.
The gospel shows us Jesus
asking the disciples the question: Who am I to you? Who do you say that I
am? It does not matter who Jesus is for
other people. What matters is who Jesus is to them. Peter proclaimed
that Jesus is the messiah. Jesus then affirmed that it was God who revealed
this to Peter, and he said his blessings on Peter as the head of his Church.
Today, God is asking us the
same question: Who am I to you? It does not matter what other people say Jesus
is. It does not matter what sins we have committed in the past. It does not
matter what we intend to do in our lives. What matters for Christ is our answer
to his question, and if like Saints Peter and Paul, we are willing to walk the talk – to live what our answer to what God is in
our lives. We should be willing to serve God no matter what situation we are
in.
Who
is God to you? Who is God in your life? Do you put him first in your life? Do
you believe that he is all loving, all merciful, all powerful? Do you believe
that he can work great things to and through you? Do you serve him? Do you
continue to serve him when times are tough?
May we find it in our hearts to
answer him like Peter did – that he is the Messiah, that he is God in our
lives. Let us be inspired by saints Peter and Paul, and live our lives the way
these two servants of God did – working tirelessly to proclaim God’s kingdom
wherever they are, having full faith in God.
Father God,
Thank you for
today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to
experience your love and live my faith. Thank you for the reminder and challenge.
Lord, I praise and adore you for who you are. I am so blessed that you are the
same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and that no matter what I do, you will not
love me less. I am so grateful to be worshipping the same God that Peter and
Paul worshipped. Sorry for the times zi d not act like Sts Peter and Paul.
Sorry for being afraid to proclaim my faith. Sorry for losing hope and faith.
Increase my faith. I believe that you will use me in a mighty way the same
way you used Peter and Paul for your glory. Lord, I ask that you help me live
my life proclaiming that you are the Messiah, that you are my God, so that I
can bring people to you and glorify you. Help me be like them who tirelessly
served you, especially when times are tough. May I live my love for you through
service. This I ask in Jesus name, Amen.
Blessed
day!
In
Christ,
-g-
June 29, 2017 - Solemnity Of Saints Peter And Paul, Apostles - Mass During The Day
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Mass during the Day
Lectionary: 591
Reading 1ACTS 12:1-11
He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword,
and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews
he proceeded to arrest Peter also.
–It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.–
He had him taken into custody and put in prison
under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each.
He intended to bring him before the people after Passover.
Peter thus was being kept in prison,
but prayer by the Church was fervently being made
to God on his behalf.
On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial,
Peter, secured by double chains,
was sleeping between two soldiers,
while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison.
Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him
and a light shone in the cell.
He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying,
"Get up quickly."
The chains fell from his wrists.
The angel said to him, "Put on your belt and your sandals."
He did so.
Then he said to him, "Put on your cloak and follow me."
So he followed him out,
not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real;
he thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed the first guard, then the second,
and came to the iron gate leading out to the city,
which opened for them by itself.
They emerged and made their way down an alley,
and suddenly the angel left him.
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."
Responsorial PsalmPS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
Reading 22 TM 4:6-8, 17-18
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
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.
The Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
AlleluiaMT 16:18
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 16:13-19
he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter said in reply,
"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."
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