CATHOLIC HOMILY OF 12TH SATURDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
CATHOLIC HOMILY OF 12TH SATURDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: YOU ARE PETER AND ON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH
BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 33(34):2-9; 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-18; Matt 16:13-19
INTRODUCTION
Good Morning my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the feast of two remarkable apostles who played pivotal roles in the early Church—Saints Peter and Paul. These two individuals, with their distinct personalities and life journeys, exemplify the transformative power of faith and the enduring message of Christ.
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FROM OUR FIRST READING
In our First reading we hear how, Herod imprisoned Peter to appease the Jews. With the Church praying fervently for Peter, an angel appeared, shining light into his cell. Unchained, Peter followed the angel past guards, through self-opening gates, to freedom.
FROM OUR SECOND READING
In our second reading, we hear, I, Paul, see my end near, but I’ve run my race well, keeping the faith. A crown of righteousness awaits me. The Lord gave me strength, protection, and will guide me to His heavenly Kingdom. Amen.
FROM OUR GOSPEL READING
In our Gospel reading, Jesus asks His disciples about the people’s opinions regarding His identity. Simon Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus acknowledges Peter’s revelation, affirming that upon him, whom He calls Peter, He will build His Church, and the powers of death will not overcome it. Jesus entrusts Peter with the keys of the Kingdom, granting him authority to bind and lose matters on earth and in heaven.
WHO ARE THE SAINTS PETER AND PAUL THE PATRON SAINTS?
St. Peter is the patron saint of netmakers, shipbuilders, and fishermen, and locksmiths. St. Paul is the patron saint of the missions, publishers, and writers.
WHO WAS SAINT PETER?
St. Peter, originally named Simon, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He was a fisherman by trade and became the rock upon which Jesus built His Church. Peter became the first pope and played a significant role in the early Christian community.
WHY IS SAINT PETER CALLED THE “ROCK”?
Jesus referred to Peter as the “rock” in Matthew 16:18, saying, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” The name Peter, which means “rock” or “stone” in Greek, symbolizes his foundational role as the first pope and in the establishment and growth of the early Church.
WHO WAS SAINT PAUL?
St. Paul, originally known as Saul, was a Jewish Pharisee who actively persecuted early Christians. However, he underwent a dramatic conversion after encountering the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He became a devoted follower of Christ and went on to become an influential apostle and missionary to the Gentiles.
HOW DID SAINTS PETER AND PAUL DIE?
vvAccording to tradition, St. Peter was martyred in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. He was crucified upside down, as he believed himself unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus. St. Paul was also martyred in Rome, likely beheaded, during the same time period.
HOW DO SAINTS PETER AND PAUL CONTINUE TO INSPIRE OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE TODAY?
The faith and courage displayed by Sts. Peter and Paul serve as a source of inspiration for Christians. Their journeys remind us that God’s grace can transform lives, even those marred by past mistakes. They teach us the importance of humility, repentance, and unwavering devotion to Christ, even in the face of persecution.
CONCLUSION
Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us all therefore do our best to be good examples and role models for one another in our lives, to be like the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul in their commitment and faith in the Lord.
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