SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES - VIGIL - Gospel (Jn 21:15-19)
- NHA CHUA CHA
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
FIRST READING - Acts 12:1-11
A reading from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them.
He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword,
and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews
he proceeded to arrest Peter also.
–It was the feast of Unleavened Bread.–
He had him taken into custody and put in prison
under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each.
He intended to bring him before the people after Passover.
Peter thus was being kept in prison,
but prayer by the Church was fervently being made
to God on his behalf.
On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial,
Peter, secured by double chains,
was sleeping between two soldiers,
while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison.
Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him
and a light shone in the cell.
He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying,
“Get up quickly.”
The chains fell from his wrists.
The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.”
He did so.
Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.”
So he followed him out,
not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real;
he thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed the first guard, then the second,
and came to the iron gate leading out to the city,
which opened for them by itself.
They emerged and made their way down an alley,
and suddenly the angel left him.
Then Peter recovered his senses and said,
“Now I know for certain
that the Lord sent his angel
and rescued me from the hand of Herod
and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.”
SECOND READING from the Second Letter to Timothy - 4:6-8, 17-18
I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
The Lord stood by me and gave me strength,
so that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it.
And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.
To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
TIN MỪNG: Jn 21:15-19
From the Gospel according to John
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL - APOSTLES - VIGIL - Gospel (Jn 21:15-19)
Dear People of God,
Today's Word of God tells about God's choosing and calling of Saints Peter and Paul, the two leading pillars of the Church. Although God placed these two pillars in different directions, both were directed toward God, who gives salvation to humanity, and toward the Church—His Bride.
Saint Peter was directly called and specially chosen by God, placed by Him in His plan of salvation, even though he was merely an uneducated fisherman. Yet God saw in his soul a heart filled with love and reverence for Him. Therefore, throughout Jesus’ public ministry of preaching the Gospel, He taught Saint Peter wholeheartedly - as a teacher instructs a student, as a father guides a son.
During his journey of following the Master, Saint Peter was purified by Jesus. The Lord did not hesitate to rebuke him when he made mistakes, saying, “Get behind me, Satan!” This was a very severe rebuke, but it was spoken with deep divine love, for Jesus was preparing to appoint him as the head of the Church - the Body of Christ - a role of profound importance and great responsibility.
Therefore, before ascending into heaven, Jesus appeared to Peter and tested his faith with three significant questions, all summarized in one word: "love." He asked him three times: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” With passion and conviction, Saint Peter repeatedly replied: “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” It was through this definitive confession of love that Jesus entrusted him with the responsibility of shepherding His Church, making Peter the cornerstone of His salvific mission.
When Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He entrusted Saint Peter with the task of caring for the Church, tending His flock, and continuing the work of preaching the Gospel, bringing God's salvation to all humanity. Saint Peter was chosen directly by God, while Saint Paul was chosen through the apostles.
Saint Paul was deeply zealous for the traditions of Judaism, and initially persecuted the followers of Christ, believing them to be heretics. But while he was passionately pursuing this mission, God confronted him with a powerful question: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” In that moment, God granted Paul the grace of conversion and chose him as an instrument in His plan of salvation - to bring both sinners and Gentiles back to God.
Both saints lived lives that were deeply pleasing to God. They placed God above all else, obeyed Him in every way, and sacrificed themselves, devoting their lives to fighting against the enemy and winning souls back for God. They gave up their lives so that God’s work could spread throughout the world.
The image of these two saints, called and appointed by God, serves as an example for all who desire to follow Jesus Christ: to put “love” first; to fear and love God above all things; and to courageously proclaim their faith in the Risen Jesus Christ - the God of Love - who is always present, alive, and pouring out His love upon everyone.
Through the Gospel reading on this solemnity day of the Church’s two great pillars, God calls on all His children—especially those facing trials and suffering—to turn to Him and rest in His loving heart. Like the two saints proclaimed by God today, He will always care for us, preserve us, and protect us from the claws of the enemy, Satan, who prowls around seeking prey to devour.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
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