Solemnity of Peter and Paul

Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34 The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19

Today we celebrate the solemnity of Peter and Paul, the great one two punch of the early church.  

Peter the fisherman and Paul the tentmaker both exchanged their trade for something greater.  The moment they were called they ceased "making a living" and they began to make a life, as they proclaimed the Gospel, the good news, to the gentiles and Jews, without hesitation, without wavering, in season and out of season. 

They both had their share of hardships, their share of chains and persecutions, but in the end they maintained the course as 'apostle martyr'.  Peter crucified upside down and Paul fell beneath the sword, they gave all they had to make known the message, truly sent to bear witness. 

In the end, they did not define their faith, but they let the faith define them.  This is their witness to us throughout the ages, this is their witness to us today.  

As the gloria rings out today on this solemn celebration, "gloria to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth," and the creed is professed, "We believe in one God, Father almighty...We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ...We believe in the Holy Spirit the giver of life...We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church..." we look to Peter and Paul and we thank them for their dedication and we ask for their intercession that we may do the same in bearing witness to the faith and allowing the faith to define us each and every day. 

Solemn Blessing

"May the keys of Peter and the words of Paul, their undying witness and their prayers, lead you to the joy of that eternal home which Peter gained by his cross, and Paul by the sword.  Amen"