Sunday, June 29, 3008
Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity)
Reading 1 Reflection :
In the first reading, the story of Peter's arrest and deliverance has a miraculous note to it. God seems to be watching over the infant Church with Fatherly care. Peter attributes his personal rescue from danger to God's saving hand. We also notice that this first group of Christians seems to be characterized by a spirit of unity, support, care, concern, and prayer.
Discussion Questions for Reading 1:
In today's first reading, Peter was conscious that the Lord was with him in life's ups and downs. How have you been conscious of God's presence with you in your life? Is there any "prison" from which God has rescued you? Is there anything you feel attracted to in this reading? Do you feel resistant to anything? Do you know why?
Reading 2 Reflection:
In the second reading, we learn how St. Paul persecuted the Church and had a dramatic conversion. He knew who to thank: "I am what I am by the grace of God." Pray that like St Paul you will recognize the good you have done and thank God for it. St. Paul compares his life to, among other things, a race well run, for which he will be rewarded by the crown of immortality. His success was due to the loving protection of God.
Discussion Questions for Reading 2:
St. Paul says he has fought the good fight and is now waiting with trust for the "crown of righteousness." How would you describe your life? In what way does this reading challenge you? What can you do to respond to this challenge?
Gospel Reflection:
St. Peter was the first to make a profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Peter also denied Jesus, not just once, but three times, and then professed his love for Jesus three times. He trusted Jesus enough to walk on water in the midst of a storm, but began to doubt when he noticed the waves in the storm. He was a disciple of strength (the rock), of weakness (denial), of love (you know I love you), of trust (walking on water), of doubt (he gets scared and falls down into the water). Doesn't Peter give you hope? Pray that you will know Jesus' love for you and always be willing to 'bounce back' like St. Peter, even when things go wrong.
Discussion Questions for Gospel:
Peter was leader of the community; a man of faith who loved Jesus. He was also weak and denied him. Can you accept loving but weak members in the Church, both leaders and faithful? Can you accept a Church that is at times sinful? Though this gospel is Peter's story, it is very much each one of our stories because it contains perhaps the most important question ever asked by Jesus. 'But you, who do you say that I am'? Peter spoke directly from the heart in his great profession of faith. Each of us is challenged to answer this question on a personal level during our lifetime: 'But you, who do you say that I am?'
Reflection by: CYBERFAITH
"Catholic resources for people of Faith"
Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles (Solemnity)
Reading 1 Reflection :
In the first reading, the story of Peter's arrest and deliverance has a miraculous note to it. God seems to be watching over the infant Church with Fatherly care. Peter attributes his personal rescue from danger to God's saving hand. We also notice that this first group of Christians seems to be characterized by a spirit of unity, support, care, concern, and prayer.
Discussion Questions for Reading 1:
In today's first reading, Peter was conscious that the Lord was with him in life's ups and downs. How have you been conscious of God's presence with you in your life? Is there any "prison" from which God has rescued you? Is there anything you feel attracted to in this reading? Do you feel resistant to anything? Do you know why?
Reading 2 Reflection:
In the second reading, we learn how St. Paul persecuted the Church and had a dramatic conversion. He knew who to thank: "I am what I am by the grace of God." Pray that like St Paul you will recognize the good you have done and thank God for it. St. Paul compares his life to, among other things, a race well run, for which he will be rewarded by the crown of immortality. His success was due to the loving protection of God.
Discussion Questions for Reading 2:
St. Paul says he has fought the good fight and is now waiting with trust for the "crown of righteousness." How would you describe your life? In what way does this reading challenge you? What can you do to respond to this challenge?
Gospel Reflection:
St. Peter was the first to make a profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Peter also denied Jesus, not just once, but three times, and then professed his love for Jesus three times. He trusted Jesus enough to walk on water in the midst of a storm, but began to doubt when he noticed the waves in the storm. He was a disciple of strength (the rock), of weakness (denial), of love (you know I love you), of trust (walking on water), of doubt (he gets scared and falls down into the water). Doesn't Peter give you hope? Pray that you will know Jesus' love for you and always be willing to 'bounce back' like St. Peter, even when things go wrong.
Discussion Questions for Gospel:
Peter was leader of the community; a man of faith who loved Jesus. He was also weak and denied him. Can you accept loving but weak members in the Church, both leaders and faithful? Can you accept a Church that is at times sinful? Though this gospel is Peter's story, it is very much each one of our stories because it contains perhaps the most important question ever asked by Jesus. 'But you, who do you say that I am'? Peter spoke directly from the heart in his great profession of faith. Each of us is challenged to answer this question on a personal level during our lifetime: 'But you, who do you say that I am?'
Reflection by: CYBERFAITH
"Catholic resources for people of Faith"
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