Saints Peter & Paul Apostles
† Wednesday 29th June 2000
[ Holiday of Obligation in England & Wales ]
Theme: Steadfast in faith.

A Reading from the Acts of the Apostles 12: 1 - 11
This ‘rescue’ story with its local colour and real life details, suggests that it came to Luke along with other ‘Peter stories’. There is a feeling of ‘bad king Herod’ propaganda about this account, heightened by the fact that the Apostle Peter is deemed to be important enough a captive to merit no less than four squads of soldiers to guard him. Meanwhile the Christian community is in constant prayer, and it is almost with relief that we reach the street with Peter, who comes to himself: “Now I know it is all true. The Lord really did...save me from Herod and all that the people expected would happen to me!”

Second Letter of Paul to Timothy 4: 6 - 8. 17 - 18
This reading selected from the writings of the other great Apostle whose martyrdom is celebrated today, also hints at the dangers and hazards associated with the proclamation of the Gospel.With certain assurance despite all the hardships,Paul says “The Lord stood by me and gave me power.”

Gospel according to Matthew 16: 13 - 19
There are two points here to focus upon. One is the fact that the disciple Simon Peter speaks up on behalf of the others to answer the question about the identity of Jesus. “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” asks Jesus. “You are the Christ,” Peter says, “the Son of the Living God.” Time then for us too to reflect upon this identity of Jesus, and appreciate the import of this fact on our lives.
The second point, is responsibilities placed upon this disciple Simon Peter, by Jesus: “ You are Peter [ a name which means bedrock ], and on this rock I will build my church.” The promise too of the keys which symbolise real power and authority, may require us to reflect upon our own personal relationship with this Apostle, and with those who succeed him in the role of ‘rock’ in the Christian community until the end of time.
© Peter Harrison 2000