YOU ARE PETER AND ON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH
Introduction: Today we celebrate the martyrdom of two great saints: Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Both of them died a martyr's death in AD 67 in Rome. Peter was crucified in Emperor Nero's garden. Paul, being a Roman citizen, was beheaded outside the city of Rome where St. Paul's Basilica exists today. Peter was an illiterate fisherman when called by Jesus. During the public ministry of Jesus, he was a constant companion of Jesus and accompanied Him in all the important events: Transfiguration, miracles performed by Jesus, and finally the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord. Paul was a well-educated Pharisee and he was convinced that the Christians should be eliminated from the face of the earth. But while on his way to Damascus, the risen Lord dramatically encountered him and he became a follower of Jesus. After his conversion, Paul travelled extensively preaching the message of Jesus. He wrote 14 apostolic letters to the communities he founded. Whatever be their differences, Peter and Paul had one thing in common: Both of them had an ardent love for Jesus. They were ready to die for Him although they had their failures: Peter denied Jesus three times, and Paul, before his conversion, persecuted Christians. They are prime examples of the great apostolic works done in the early Church.
First Reading: Acts 12: 1 to 11
Second Reading: 2Timothy 4: 6 to 8 and 17 to 18
Gospel Reading: Matthew 16: 13 to 19
* First reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Peter's imprisonment and his miraculous freedom brought by an angel of the Lord are narrated. The early Christian community at Jerusalem faced severe persecutions and much opposition from the powerful Jewish authorities. But the risen Lord in a very special way intervenes to save them and comforts them in their trials. It is for us to realize that in our most difficult times, the risen Lord comes to our aid and helps us through His graces.
*Second reading is from the Second letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Paul shares with his beloved disciple Timothy that his earthly life is coming to an end. He looks back with immense gratitude and thankfulness to God for His constant support and strength to proclaim the Word of God to the Gentiles (non-Jews). With full confidence in the Lord he says, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.' St. Paul's life should be an inspiration for all of us to lead a life worthy of our call to holiness.
Peter the Rock Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus asks His disciples: 'Who do people say that I am?' The disciples express various opinions. Some say, John the Baptist who was beheaded by Herod, has come back to life. Another opinion is that, Elijah, one of the great prophets of old, has come back to life. A third opinion is that Jeremiah, who was known as the suffering servant of Yahweh, has come back to life. Yet another opinion is that, one of the prophets of old has come back to life. The true identity of Jesus is not revealed in any of the above answers. Finally, Jesus puts a personal question to His disciples: 'Who do you say that I am?' Peter immediately speaks and publicly confesses: 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' Jesus compliments him and says: 'This revelation is not of human origin but of divine origin.' It has been revealed by the heavenly Father. Further, He tells Peter that His Church will be built on the foundation of Peter the rock and the powers of hell will not prevail against it. Hence, Jesus indicates Peter's future role in founding the Church, that he is the instrument of consolidation and cohesion in the Church. He is given authority to absolve or to condemn. St. Peter thus guarantees the faith and preserves the unity of the Church. In this context St. Jerome says: "Ubi Petrus, ibi ergo ecelesia. (Where Peter is, there is the Church). Blaise Pascal says: "Jesus Christ and St. Paul possess the order of charity, not of the mind, for they wished to humble, not to teach."
Conclusion: As we celebrate this feast in honour of Saints Peter and Paul, let us be inspired by their heroic and dedicated life in the service of the Lord with conviction and courage.
May the great Apostles Peter and Paul, bless you with their blessings that you may always adhere to the teachings of the Church and walk courageously when faced with rejections and persecutions in your life. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, June 29, 2025." Thanks.)
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