The Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles

Send us Fan MailSunday, 29 June 2025The Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, ApostlesAntiphons and Readings on p 1667 of the Daily Missal, and p 1038 of the Sunday MissalFirst Reading: Acts 12:1-11In those days: Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword; and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street, and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3.4-5.6-7.8-9 (R. cf. 5b)R/. From all my terrors, the Lord set me free.I will bless the Lord at all times;  praise of him is always in my mouth.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 toward him and be radiant;  let your faces not be abashed.This lowly one called; the Lord heard,  and rescued him from all his distress.The angel of the Lord is encamped  around those who fear him, to rescue them.Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Blessed the man who seeks refuge in him.R/. From all my terrors, the Lord set me free.Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18Brothers and sisters: I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the word fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19At that time: When Jesus