June 29, 2015

The Acts of the Apostles     12: 1-11

12:1	Now at the same time, king Herod extended his hand, in order to afflict some from the Church.
12:2	Then he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.
12:3	And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he set out next to apprehend Peter also. Now it was the days of Unleavened Bread.
12:4	So when he had apprehended him, he sent him into prison, handing him over into the custody of four groups of four soldiers, intending to produce him to the people after the Passover.
12:5	And so Peter was detained in prison. But prayers were being made without ceasing, by the Church, to God on his behalf.
12:6	And when Herod was ready to produce him, in that same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, and was bound with two chains. And there were guards in front of the door, guarding the prison.
12:7	And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood near, and a light shined forth in the cell. And tapping Peter on the side, he awakened him, saying, “Rise up, quickly.” And the chains fell from his hands.
12:8	Then the Angel said to him: “Dress yourself, and put on your boots.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your garment around yourself and follow me.”
12:9	And going out, he followed him. And he did not know this truth: that this was being done by an Angel. For he thought that he was seeing a vision.
12:10	And passing by the first and second guards, they came to the iron gate which leads into the city; and it opened for them by itself. And departing, they continued on along a certain side street. And suddenly the Angel withdrew from him.
12:11	And Peter, returning to himself, said: “Now I know, truly, that the Lord sent his Angel, and that he rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the people of the Jews were anticipating.”

Second Reading

The Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy   4: 6-8, 17-18

4:6	For I am already being worn away, and the time of my dissolution presses close.
4:7	I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith.
4:8	As for the remainder, a crown of justice has been reserved for me, one which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to those who look forward to his return. Hurry to return to me soon.
4:16	At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them!
4:17	But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching would be accomplished, and so that all the Gentiles would hear. And I was freed from the mouth of the lion.
4:18	The Lord has freed me from every evil work, and he will accomplish salvation by his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen

Gospel

The Holy Gospel According to Matthew    16: 13-19

16:13	Then Jesus went into parts of Caesarea Philippi. And he questioned his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?”
16:14	And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, still others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
16:15	Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16:16	Simon Peter responded by saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
16:17	And in response, Jesus said to him: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father, who is in heaven.
16:18	And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.
16:19	And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound, even in heaven. And whatever you shall release on earth shall be released, even in heaven.”