Upon This Rock

Tuesday, June 29, 2027 · Ordinary Time

Saint of the Day
Sts. Peter and Paul

Peter was a Galilean fisherman called by Jesus to be among the Twelve, renamed from Simon to Peter ("the Rock"). Despite denying Jesus three times, he was restored and became the leader of the early church, the first to preach at Pentecost, and according to tradition the first Bishop of Rome. Paul was a Pharisee named Saul who persecuted Christians until a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. He became the great apostle to the Gentiles, author of much of the New Testament, and a tireless church planter. Both were martyred in Rome under Nero, and their feast is celebrated together as twin pillars of the Church.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 16:16-18

Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Reflection
The feast of Peter and Paul brings together two radically different men who were both transformed by the same Lord. Peter's confession — "You are the Christ" — was not his own cleverness but revealed to him by the Father. The church is built not on human brilliance or strength but on the revealed truth of who Jesus is. That foundation is impervious to every assault.
Prayer for Today
Receive my confession, O most loving and gracious Lord Jesus Christ, only hope for the salvation of my soul. Grant to me true contrition of soul, so that day and night I may by penance make satisfaction for my many sins. Savior of the world, O good Jesus,
Who gave Yourself to the death of the Cross to save sinners, look upon me, most wretched of all sinners; have pity on me, and give me the light to know my sins, true sorrow for them, and a firm purpose of never committing
them again.


O gracious Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of Jesus, I implore you to obtain for me by your powerful intercession these graces from your Divine Son.


St. Joseph, pray for me.

Amen.