The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.-- Psalm 34:5
Mass readings: Vigil: Acts 3:1-10 / Galatians 1:11-20 / John 21:15-19; Day: Acts 12:1-11 / 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18 / Matthew 16:13-19
Peter was just beginning his career as an apostle when he received the divine revelation of Jesus' identity in today's Gospel reading. But he still had much to learn, and would have to pass through the experience of denying Jesus and being forgiven by Him before he could bring the Gospel message to the world.
Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, was nearing the end of his apostolic career when he wrote in expectation of his death in today's reading from 2 Timothy. Paul expected his blood to be poured out as a sacrifice to God, Who would give him the crown of laurel wreaths symbolic of a great victory. Both Peter and Paul were Christ's witnesses (the meaning of martyr), in their ministries and in the manner of their deaths.
Prayer: Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, pray to God that we may be faithful until death.