< <  

Thursday, June 29, 2023

  > >

Sts. Peter & Paul


Acts 12:1-11
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Psalm 34:2-9
Matthew 16:13-19

View Readings
Similar Reflections

the today show

“From now on a merited crown awaits me.” —2 Timothy 4:8

In many nations, today’s feast is a holy day of obligation, even when it doesn’t fall on Sunday. This means that today’s gathering of God’s people is so important that it is often considered mandatory. Today is so special because:

  • St. Peter was the Rock on which Jesus built His Church (Mt 16:18).
  • St. Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles (Gal 2:7).
  • Both St. Peter and St. Paul were martyrs.
  • Both of these saints continue to be in communion with us by praying for us and ministering to us.

If God has His way, each of us and the whole Christian community will be different after today’s community celebration. We will be more holy. Many Christians will be freed from the chains of sin, addiction, and fear (see Acts 12:6-7). Many evils will be bound, and many graces loosed (Mt 16:19). Thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions will give their lives to Jesus and be on the path to salvation. Today, countless throngs throughout the world will receive the fullness of the Spirit.

Of course, every day is a day of grace, but the Lord has chosen some days to be even more significant (see Sir 33:7-9). “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it” (Ps 118:24). Alleluia!

Prayer:  Father, when today I hear Your voice, may I harden not my heart (see Ps 95:7-8).

Promise:  “The Lord will continue to rescue me from all attempts to do me harm and will bring me safe to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.” —2 Tm 4:18

Praise:  “The Holy Spirit descended upon all who were listening to Peter’s message” (Acts 10:44).

Reference:  (For a related teaching on The Church in God’s Plan, listen to, download or order our CD 67-3 or DVD 67 on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2023, through July 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio December 14, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.