Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19
The apostles PETER & PAUL are considered the “first pillars” of the Church. Together they unleashed the Holy Spirit, the Lord the Giver of Life, in wondrous ways that led to the rapid spread of the presence and power of Christ through His Church.
The significance of Jesus changing Simon’s name to Peter – “rock” or “rocky” – does not escape us. It is meant to emphasize the plans that Jesus has in store for Peter, who receives from Jesus particular leadership responsibilities in service of the Church.
The Risen Lord Christ calls Saul who also undergoes a namechange and becomes Paul. Transformed by God’s grace, the moment Paul realizes that Christ Jesus is all that really matters in his life, we see Paul give himself entirely to making the Good News known to others without any concern fro the dnager, tribulations, sufferings and apparent failures that may assail him along the way.
Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us!
