Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, ApostlesJune 29, 2014

1st reading: Acts 12:1-11Herod and Peter 1 In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the

church to harm them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, 3 and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (It was (the) feast of Unleavened Bread.) 4 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. 5 Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the church was fervently being made to God on his behalf. 6 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.

Angel and Peter 7 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. 8 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." 9 So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 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.

Peter and God 11 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."

A simple outline!

The focus is on Peter

1st reading: Acts 12:1-11Herod and Peter 1 In those days, King

Herod laid hands upon some members of the church to harm them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, 3 and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (It was (the) feast of Unleavened Bread.) 4 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. 5 Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the church was fervently being made to God on his behalf. 6 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.

Commentary V.1 King Herod is bent on killing / harming

some members of the church. (King Herod here is not King Herod the Great (who sought the life of Jesus when he was a little boy), nor Herod Antipas (who killed Jesus), but Herod Agrippa.

In v.2, Herod has killed James. In v.3, Herod is also eyeing on arresting

Peter. V.3 gives the reason why:

It is pleasing to the Jews. In parenthesis, the date is indicated. It is

the same day as when Jesus was arrested. V.4 indicates his swift action:

He takes him into custody. He puts him into prison. He intends to display him after the Passover.

V.5 brings out the contrast between what Herod does and what the church does. The church fervently prays for Peter.

V.6 describes how Peter has been secured for the trial. (heavily guarded)

Angel and Peter 7 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. 8 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." 9 So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 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.

Peter and God 11 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."

In v.7 God also does something for Peter. God intervenes through an angel.

The actions of the angel: Stood by him Light shone He tapped Peter He awakened Peter. He asked him, “Get up.”

In v.8, the angel asks him to escape. In v.9, Peter obeys the angel. Peter

thinks he is seeing a vision (something unreal!).

V.10 describes how Peter escapes without being detected by the guards.

In v.11, Peter makes a theological conclusion based on his experience: God sent his angel to rescue him from Herod and foiled the expectations of the Jews on him.

Reflections on the 1st readingTo be an apostle (to be sent with a commission), one To be an apostle (to be sent with a commission), one

must be prepared to be like his/her master.must be prepared to be like his/her master.PeterPeter undergoes the same trial as Jesus. undergoes the same trial as Jesus.Herod Agrippa seeks to make the Jewish people Herod Agrippa seeks to make the Jewish people

happy, at the expense of happy, at the expense of PeterPeter and the other apostles. and the other apostles.Herod, like his father and brother, is a murderer of Herod, like his father and brother, is a murderer of

the apostles, trying hard to please the Jews.the apostles, trying hard to please the Jews.Herod arrests Herod arrests PeterPeter and puts him into prison for a and puts him into prison for a

trial.trial.But God has his own way to save But God has his own way to save PeterPeter..He sends an angel to help He sends an angel to help himhim escape from the escape from the

scheme of Herod.scheme of Herod.The apostle (missionary) must learn also how to trust The apostle (missionary) must learn also how to trust

in the saving power of the Lord.in the saving power of the Lord.PeterPeter allowed himself to be led by the angel. allowed himself to be led by the angel.

Resp. Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (5) The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

2 I will bless the LORD at all times;his praise shall be ever in my mouth.3 Let my soul glory in the LORD;the lowly will hear me and be glad.

4 Glorify the LORD with me,let us together extol his name.5 I sought the LORD, and he answered meand delivered me from all my fears.

6 Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,and your faces may not blush with shame.7 When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,and from all his distress he saved him.

8 The angel of the LORD encampsaround those who fear him, and delivers them.9 Taste and see how good the LORD is;blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

Resp. Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (5) The angel of the Lord will rescue

those who fear him.2 I will bless the LORD at all times;his praise shall be ever in my mouth.3 Let my soul glory in the LORD;the lowly will hear me and be glad.

4 Glorify the LORD with me,let us together extol his name.5 I sought the LORD, and he answered meand delivered me from all my fears.

6 Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,and your faces may not blush with shame.7 When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,and from all his distress he saved him.

8 The angel of the LORD encampsaround those who fear him, and delivers them.9 Taste and see how good the LORD is;blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

CommentaryThe psalm is a thanksgiving hymn. It represents the feeling of Peter.In vv.2-3, the psalmist promises to ever bless, praise and glory in the Lord.In v.3, the poor will rejoice with him.In v.4, the psalmist invites his audience to praise God.V.5 gives the reason why.V.6 exhorts others to seek God, to be happy and assured of honor.V.7 affirms God’s saving help to the poor who seek him.V.8 tells how God makes the life of the poor secure.In v.9, the psalmist invites his audience to do the same and experience the same benefit.

Reflections on the PsalmWe return to God when we experience

salvation from him.We should invite others to praise God for

helping us.We must be convinced that God has a certain

bias for the poor who call on him.We may have committed big errors and

people affected are seeking our lives, but it is a good idea to take refuge in the Lord when we become so vulnerable and defenseless.

2nd reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-186 I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation,

and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 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.

17 But 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. 18 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.

The focus is on Paul.

2nd reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18 6 I, Paul, am already

being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 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.

17 But 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. 18 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.

Commentary Paul’sPaul’s authorship here is disputed.The reading is all about St. PaulPaul as an

apostle. He feels his time is up.He has done what he is supposed to do

and is hopeful God will reward him. In v.6, PaulPaul feels that he is being

“sacrificed” and will soon die.V.7 indicates he has finished his job.

Has competed well (with quality) Has finished the race (did not give up) Has kept the faith. (consistent)

Like Jesus, PaulPaul has accomplished everything expected of him as an apostle and missionary. He did not leave any unfinished agenda. He did not leave anything unaddressed /

unturned. He worked with due diligence.

In v.8, PaulPaul expresses his hope for his reward and those who similarly worked hard for Jesus.

6 I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 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.

17 But 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. 18 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.

In v.17, PaulPaul in times of threats and danger, acknowledges God’s protection and support: God stood by me. He gave me strength.

PaulPaul was not a lonely missionary. PaulPaul also acknowledges that God has

made him an instrument to complete the work of proclamation, that all the Gentiles might hear it.

On the last line, PaulPaul mentions an animal (lion). It can be figurative. It can refer to his enemies, who want to put him to death.

In v.18, PaulPaul expresses his belief that the Lord will save him from threats and bring him safely to heaven.

The last line is doxology. In the midst of threats, PaulPaul still

glorifies God.

Reflections on the 2nd readingThe real author is Paul’s disciple. The writer puts

himself into the shoes of Paul. He is aware of what Paul has undergone as a missionary.

To work for the church and for the kingdom is a dangerous job.

The opponents are seriously out for the kill.The missionary should have a deep faith in God in

order to face trials and death.We, like Paul, must complete our work to deserve

God’s recognition.Only then, can we truly and confidently say,

“Lord, I have run the race… I competed well… I look forward to seeing you in heaven.”

Gospel reading: Matthew 16:13-1913 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea

Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 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. 18 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. 19 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."

The focus is on Peter.

Gospel reading: Matthew 16:13-19Question13 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he

asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

Wrong Answer14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,

still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Question15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Correct Answer16 Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son

of the living God." Responsibility of Peter17 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. 18 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. 19 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."

Gospel reading: Matthew 16:13-19Question 13 When Jesus went into the region of

Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

Wrong Answer 14 They replied, "Some say John the

Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

Question 15 He said to them, "But who do you

say that I am?" Correct Answer 16 Simon Peter said in reply, "You are

the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Responsibility of Peter 17 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. 18 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. 19 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."

CommentaryCaesaria Philippi lies at the

foot of Mt. Hermon, up north. It should not be confused with

Caesaria Maritima (along the Mediterranean Coast)

In v.13, Jesus asks his disciples if the people know his identity as the son of man.

Why does Jesus ask this question?

Correct knowledge of Jesus will lead to correct discipleship.

In v.14, Jesus gets wrong answers.

In v.15, Jesus asks the same question to his disciples.

In v.16, Peter rightly answers, “You are the Messiah…”

Question 13 When Jesus went into the region of

Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

Wrong Answer 14 They replied, "Some say John the

Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

Question 15 He said to them, "But who do you

say that I am?" Correct Answer 16 Simon Peter said in reply, "You are

the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Responsibility of Peter 17 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. 18 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. 19 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."

In v.17, Jesus reveals what makes Peter correct in his answer.

The heavenly father himself revealed it.

Now in v.18, Jesus reveals his plan to build a church.

What is this church? This is the turning point of the

life of Peter. From now on, Peter will have a big role in the life of the church.

In v.19, Jesus gives him the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

The keys symbolize his authority.

Peter has the authority to allow or reject people to enter the kingdom of God.

Theologians say the church is not the kingdom of God. The church serves the kingdom of God.

Reflections on the gospel readingIn the gospel reading, we pay special attention to In the gospel reading, we pay special attention to

PeterPeter..PeterPeter is the spokesperson of the apostles. He speaks is the spokesperson of the apostles. He speaks

on behalf of them.on behalf of them.Jesus pays attention to him and gives him special Jesus pays attention to him and gives him special

assignment.assignment.PeterPeter will have authority over the church. will have authority over the church.It is called the primacy of It is called the primacy of PeterPeter. He is the first pope.. He is the first pope.Protestants or other Christian denominations do not Protestants or other Christian denominations do not

believe that the authority of believe that the authority of PeterPeter was transmitted was transmitted to his successors.to his successors.

We Catholics believe otherwise. That is why, we We Catholics believe otherwise. That is why, we believe in the authority of the popes, as successors believe in the authority of the popes, as successors of of PeterPeter..

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmThe first reading talks about PeterPeter being arrested

and imprisoned and set to trial, but freed by an angel the night before.

The psalm leads us to praise God for saving us from those who seek to harm us.

The second reading talks about PaulPaul feeling the end of his life.

The gospel reading talks about PeterPeter having authority over the church.

How to develop your sharingWe reflect on the roles of Peter and Paul in

the church.We call them “pillars” of the church, because

of their leadership and missionary endeavors.Peter was sent to the Jews; Paul to the

Gentiles.Peter, a fisherman, managed two boats and

some crew.By nature, Peter had leadership. He also had

the ability to take risks, like when he was asked by Jesus to lower down his nets at an inopportune time.

He spoke for the other apostles. Among the apostles, he was the most outspoken.

Paul, on the other hand, was a well-trained interpreter of the law.

He received a good education in his youth. He learned the Greek, Jewish and Roman cultures.

He learned easily about Jesus through the apostles and made sound theological conclusions.

A very intelligent interpreter of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles.

He rose to the category of the apostles though he did not personally see Jesus.

Based on his writings, he outdid them in terms of teaching, evangelizing and organizing Christian communities.

The first reading does not directly talk about Peter.

It tells the story how Peter is arrested, heavily guarded and about to be tried. But the night before, God sends an angel to free him.

Herod wants to eliminate Peter to please the Jews. The Jews were pleased when he eliminated James, the first bishop of the Jerusalem church (the mother church).

The first reading narrates a short portion of the story of Peter.

Peter is persecuted, but he does not complain.

The gospel reading mentions Peter as correctly answering the question of Jesus.

His answer is completely different from what the people know about Jesus.

The correct answer must have been based on his faithful following of Jesus since he was called.

The three-year experience with Jesus in his mission must have taught him (and the other apostles) the correct appreciation of who Jesus is.

His view is not a pious one, but a view that reveals depth and awareness of who Jesus really is and is ready to take a big responsibility: to take care of the Church and to decide who

should enter the kingdom of heaven.

In the second reading, we hear of Paul talking to Timothy about his end.

Paul has spent his life doing missionary work.He has undergone a lot of trials as he worked

hard for the Lord.In some of his writings, especially 2

Corinthians, we get a feel of the passionate and human Paul.

He is a hardworking apostle who was subjected to all kinds of threats and dangers.

Here in the readings, Paul expresses his hope to receive God’s award, God’s promise to those who are faithful to him.

Peter and Paul have something in common:Both of them worked for Jesus Christ.Both of them understood who Jesus was.Both lived in danger.Both died as martyrs for their faith.

Their feast should instill in us Christians the value of committing ourselves to Christ and to his church.

Christian commitment is living a missionary life.It is living a dangerous life.Living the Christian faith is not a plaything, it is not

an entertainment, it is not to be taken lightly like a toy.

It is reliving the dangerous memory of Jesus.

The eucharist is the sacrament of discipleship par excellence.

The eucharist is the food for the journey of the true missionary disciples.

The eucharist is meaningless to the not so serious disciples, to the lukewarm, doing nothing for the Lord and for the church.

The eucharist is meant for those who build the church and advance God’s kingdom.

Our Context of Sin and Grace Identity crisis, can’t say to

himself/herself, “I am a follower of Christ.”

Many missionary priests and nuns live in precarious situations

Misconception that the lay have nothing to do with mission

Active only in liturgy, no social work

Lack of knowledge of Christ = lack of commitment to him.

Misguided discipleship, more on externals

So much glamorization of faith and devotion

Church with committed priests, catechists and lay

Spiritual leaders who have impact even on civil leaders

Lay faithful who give witness in their offices and workplaces

Missionaries who are courageous and risk-takers

Takes the gospel as starting point in all activities