Their word goes forth through all the earth
This weekend we celebrate the ancient feast of Saints Peter and Paul – two giants of our faith on whose shoulders we stand. Both were faithful and unstinting in their mission and are an example to us as we strive to follow Jesus Christ.
In the First Reading, we hear how the newly appointed king, Herod Agrippa, begins to persecute the Christian community in Jerusalem. But while Peter is in prison, an angel of the Lord leads him to safety.
The Psalm is a song of praise, and in particular one of thanksgiving for the psalmist’s own deliverance.
In the Second Reading, Paul approaches the end of his life and looks back on his ministry with a grateful heart. He recalls how God supported him in his difficult mission and is confident that God will also bring him to the safety of the kingdom.
The Gospel tells of Peter identifying Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus rewards Peter for his insight by conferring on him the grace of leadership, a unique position in the community of Jesus.
This week, let us think of our role in the mission of the Church, not forgetting to pray for those who are persecuted for living out their faith.
