Yesterday was the day of St. Peter and St. Paul, two of the Church's early leaders. Peter, formerly Simon, was one of the twelve apostles and was a fisherman. He is sometimes referred to as the favored apostle, and was the apostle who denied Jesus during Jesus' time of trial. However, Peter proclaimed his love for Jesus three times, which may correspond to the three statements of denial. Peter is also well known because Jesus changed his name and said that upon this rock He will build his church in Matthew 16:13-20. Peter is also called the first pope.
Paul actually started out as Saul, a persecutor of Christians, until Jesus blinded him on the road to Damascus and then opened his eyes, literally and to His message. We know Paul best because he wrote many of the Epistles in the New Testament. Both of these early Church leaders were believed to have been martyred on the same day in the year 68 AD.
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom; Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Readings for Today:
Exekiel 34:11-16
Psalm 87:1-6
1 Corinthians 3:16-23
Mark 8:27-35
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