Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 22 The Sleeping Arrangements of the Monks
Mass: Acts 12:1-11; Resp Ps 34; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18; Mt 16:13-19

Look to the Lord that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame.

HEART OF JESUS, DELIGHT OF ALL THE SAINTS,
HAVE MERCY ON US.

There are many things to reflect upon on this great Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. We will make our reflection simple. On the other hand, maybe it is not so simple. Our Lord is asking you a question; He is asking me a question: "Who do you say that I am?" May we, through the intercession of both humble servants of the Lord, Peter and Paul, answer with Peter, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' We believe, help our unbelief. 

The starting point of the Christian life is not our worthiness. Whenever we consider ourselves smarter or better than others, that is the beginning of the end … The Lord does not work miracles with those who consider themselves righteous, but with those who know themselves to be needy … Both Peter and Paul understood that holiness does not consist in exalting but rather in humbling oneself … Holiness is not a contest, but a question of entrusting our own poverty each day to the Lord, who does great things for those who are lowly.
(Pope Francis, Homily, Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul 2019)

"Rejoice and be glad" Jesus tells those persecuted or humiliated for his sake. The Lord asks everything of us, and in return he offers us true life, the happiness for which we were created. He wants us to be saints and not to settle for a bland and mediocre existence.
(Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate, 1)


SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Cinquefoil in Bald Hill Natural Area, Oregon.