Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles. The assigned readings are Acts 12:1-11; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; and Matthew 16:13-19. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 34 (Psalm 34:2-9).

The Gospel reading is as follows:

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi 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."

Reflections on this feast day:

Franciscan Media: Saint of the Day: Saints Peter and Paul

Magis Center for Catholic Spirituality: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Se Sales Weekly: Oblation Reflection: Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (29 JUN 23) 

Community in Mission: Five Lessons on Faith From Peter's Time in Jail (28 JUN 18)