PM: Special Edition--Solemnity Of Ss. Peter And Paul, Apostles

The two greatest Apostles. The rock upon which the Church was built and the greatest preacher of the Gospel. Pillars of the Faith; martyrs for it. Today we celebrate the two men inseparable in ecclesiastical history, yet each with their own mission.

Now I know that the Lord really has sent his Angel, and has delivered me out of the hands of Herod, and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me; you know when I sit down and when I rise up.

Acts 12:11; v. Ps. 138:1-2 

Once again the Introit leads us into the First Reading. But it is the verse which grabs my attention. God knew the hearts of these two men and chose them to spearhead Christianity's beginnings. The Father chose these sons who saw His Son and empowered them with the Holy Spirit in their respective charisms. 

You will make them princes over all the earth; they shall conserve the memorial of your name, O Lord.

V. In place of your fathers, sons have been born unto you; therefore, all people will give you thanks.

Ps. 44:17; V. 18 

These two original Princes of the Church (a phrase associated with a bishop, the apostolic successors of Peter and Paul) tirelessly worked to spread the word about the Word. While the King has ascended into Heaven, the Gradual verse shows the authority given to them and their successors.

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.

Matt. 16:18

Used for both the Alleluia and Communion, it is the reward given to the first Pope upon his confession that Jesus is Lord. What is our reward for answering the most burning question Christ posed? Hopefully, nothing less than the Heavenly Kingdom.

You will make them princes over all the earth; they shall keep the memorial of your name, in every age and generation.

Ps. 44:17-18

The Offertory is the same as the Gradual (I don't know why there is a different translation). But their place in the Roman Canon assures their leadership roles, being the first two listed after the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. Here we acknowledge one of the four marks of the Church (apostolic) and her mission in the world.

Two men of Judaism, each taking their own way to the Way. Two leading figures of Christianity showing the way to the Way. May their lives inspire us to answer the question without question:  "Who do you say that I AM?"