Peter and Paul are the two great heroes of the Apostolic Age – Peter for leading the first Christian communities and binding them in unity, a role that springs from his profession of faith in Caesarea Philippi, and Paul for travelling throughout the Roman Empire as the Apostle to the Gentiles, ensuring that the Gospel could be heard by all. They both ended up in Rome, the heart of the Empire, where they crowned their lives of witness by shedding their blood for Christ. As the ancient hymn for this feast day (“Decora Lux aeternitatis”) says: “Rejoice, O Rome, this day; thy walls they once did sign With princely blood, who now their glory share with thee. What city’s vesture glows with crimson deep as thine? What beauty else has earth that may compare with thee?” In celebrating the death of these apostles and martyrs, we celebrate the triumph of life and death offered fully to God.
Scripture (Weekday Readings: week 13, year 2;Psalter: Week 1)
Vigil Mass
Acts 3: 1-10
Response: Psalm 18
The heavens proclaim the glory of God
and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands.
Day unto day takes up the story
and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard
yet their span extends through all the earth,
their words to the utmost bounds of the world
Galatians 1: 11 – 20
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Lord, you know everything;
You know I love you.
Alleluia!
John 21: 15 – 19
Day Mass
Acts 12: 1–11
Response: Psalm 33
I will bless the Lord at all times,
his praise always on my lips;
in the Lord my soul shall make its boast.
The humble shall hear and be glad.
Glorify the Lord with me.
Together let us praise his name.
I sought the Lord and he answered me;
from all my terrors he set me free.
Look towards him and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.
This poor man called; the Lord heard him
and rescued him from all his distress.
The angel of the Lord is encamped
around those who revere him, to rescue them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
He is happy who seeks refuge in him.
2 Timothy 4: 6 – 8, 17 – 18
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.
And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it.
Alleluia!
John 20: 19 – 23
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, rescue us.
To read Today’s scripture, visit the Catholic Online website.
