A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus said to Peter: “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.”
In today’s Gospel, Matthew describes the moment when Jesus chooses Peter as the first pope of the Catholic Church. From the second reading, Paul himself speaks of his apostleship in proclaiming the Gospel: “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.” Both of these great apostles cooperated with God’s grace to strengthen them, and both were martyred. Just as Mary said yes to the Lord during the annunciation, Peter and Paul said yes in different ways, which shaped the Church that remains today and which the gates of the netherworld will never prevail against.
God, these giants of the early Church martyred long ago for love of you now pray for your Church before you in heaven. Rather than see them as unapproachable because of their greatness, I ask for them to intercede for me for your grace to compete well in this life and finish the race alive in faith that will bring me to eternal life. Rescue me, Lord, from the threats of this life—great and small. Under your care and longing for you always, may the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul one day bring me to you safe in your heavenly kingdom.
From the responsorial psalm: “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.” Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.