Saints + Scripture: Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul

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'Tis the Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles (died circa 64; A.K.A. Simon, Cephas; A.K.A. Saul), martyred in the reign of the Roman emperor Nero: Apostles-link Peter & Paul, Apostles-link Peter, Apostle-link Paul, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Wayback Machine. Quoth the Holy Redeemer bulletin:

There is a lengthy tradition of celebrating the solemnities of both Saint Peter [also 22 February] & Saint Paul [also 25 January] on the same day. Together, the two saints are the founders of the See of Rome, through their preaching, ministry, & martyrdom there.

Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Solemnity of Ss. Peter & Paul: Vigil Mass
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter three, verses one thru ten;
Psalm Nineteen, verses two & three, four & five;
The Letter to the Galatians, chapter one, verses eleven thru twenty;
The Gospel according to John, chapter twenty-one, verses fifteen thru nineteen.

Mass Readings—Solemnity of Ss. Peter & Paul: Mass during the Day
The Acts of the Apostles, chapter twelve, verses one thru eleven;
Psalm Thirty-four, verses two & three, four & five, six & seven, & eight & nine;
The Second Letter to Timothy, chapter four, verses six, seven, eight, seventeen, & eighteen;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter sixteen, verses thirteen thru nineteen.

Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):

Friends, today’s Gospel spells out the importance of Peter’s confession. For it is upon this inspired confession that the Church is built. Not, mind you, on popular opinion, which is shifting and indecisive, and not on personal holiness, which is all too rare. It is built upon the inspired authority of Peter—and I say, “thank God!”

We make this troubling and extraordinary claim that it is through a special charism of the Spirit that Peter and his successors govern the Church. Now, I realize that I have many Protestant readers and that this text has been, between Catholics and Protestants, a stumbling block. Let me clarify what is and is not at stake here.

What is the focus of Peter’s confession? It has to do with who Jesus is. This is the rock upon which the Church is built. We don’t say for a moment that all of Peter’s practical decisions are right, that everything he says is right. But we are saying that he is right about who Jesus is: a man who is also the Son of the living God. And this is the source and ground of the whole operation

Video reflection by Father Praveen Lakkisetti: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Cassius of Narni, Bishop (died 558): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.

'Tis also the festival of Saint Hemma of Gurk, Religious, O.S.B. (circa 980-1045, also spelt Emma, Gemma), foundress of Gurk Abbey: Saint-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Abbey.

Commentary: Kinswoman of St. Henry (13 July) & wife of Bl. William of Sann [29 June].

Papal Quote o' the Day

"Neither success nor failure must ever cause you to forget your vocation as servant. Allow the Lord to grant growth when & how He chooses. At the same time, imitate the Apostle Paul who knew how to suffer want & to love in abundance, ready for anything."
—Pope St. John Paul II (the Great, 1920-2005; feast day: 22 October)

Little Flower Quote o' the Day

"After this earthly exile, reunite us in Heaven!"
—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church (1873-1897, feast day: 1 October)

Saint Quote o' the Day

"Be assured that he who shall always walk faithfully in God’s presence, always ready to give Him an account of all his actions, shall never be separated from Him by consenting to sin."
—St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church (1225-1274, feast day: 28 January)