Upon this Rock

June 29, 2007

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Mass during the Day

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. 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.” Acts 12:7-8

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.” Matthew 16

Piety

Let us pray: God, we thank you for sending us your servants Peter and Paul to lead your early Church. The built our house upon a rock. Help us to continue where they and our forbearers left off…adding rooms to the Kingdom of God on earth.

Make us worthy runners in the race against temptation and in the race of service to our sisters and brothers. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/062907b.shtml

How are you doing in the race? Have you completed the course or are you just getting started? Have you hit a “wall” or are you getting your second wind?

Today, we remember those who started the race for us…Peter and Paul, the first “followers” who led our growing Church and spread the Good News throughout the world. They were the first team captains. Peter is the rock against which Paul braced his foot to begin the race.

Before we had to battle modern temptation, Peter and Paul were battling its forbearers. Are your prepared to take the baton from them and continue to build up the Church?

Peter and Paul did not enter the race alone. Both heard the words, “Follow me” as an invitation to live out their faith and bring the faith to all nations.

Action

The world seemed so much smaller then. While there were fewer people, the space was still as vast. Now with modern communications and transportation, the world is more like a global village. How are you helping to evangelize on your street of the village?