Welcome to our Bible Study
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
June 29, 2014
In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy
As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM
1st reading: Acts 12:1-11
A simple outline!
Herod and Peter
 1 In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the church to
harm them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, 3 and
when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter
also. (It was (the) feast of Unleavened Bread.) 4 He had him taken into custody
and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He
intended to bring him before the people after Passover. 5 Peter thus was being
kept in prison, but prayer by the church was fervently being made to God on his
behalf. 6 On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured
by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door
guards kept watch on the prison.
Angel and Peter
 7 Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He
tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, "Get up quickly." The
chains fell from his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, "Put on your belt and your
sandals." He did so. Then he said to him, "Put on your cloak and follow me." 9
So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel
was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first guard,
then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened
for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and
suddenly the angel left him.
The focus is on Peter
Peter and God
 11 Then Peter recovered his senses and said, "Now I know for certain that (the)
Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the
Jewish people had been expecting."
1st reading: Acts 12:1-11
Herod and Peter
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1 In those days, King Herod
laid hands upon some
members of the church to
harm them. 2 He had
James, the brother of John,
killed by the sword, 3 and
when he saw that this was
pleasing to the Jews he
proceeded to arrest Peter
also. (It was (the) feast of
Unleavened Bread.) 4 He
had him taken into custody
and put in prison under the
guard of four squads of four
soldiers each. He intended to
bring him before the people
after Passover. 5 Peter thus
was being kept in prison, but
prayer by the church was
fervently being made to God
on his behalf. 6 On the very
night before Herod was to
bring him to trial, Peter,
secured by double chains,
was sleeping between two
soldiers, while outside the
door guards kept watch on
the prison.
Commentary
 V.1 King Herod is bent on killing / harming some
members of the church. (King Herod here is not
King Herod the Great (who sought the life of
Jesus when he was a little boy), nor Herod
Antipas (who killed Jesus), but Herod Agrippa.
 In v.2, Herod has killed James.
 In v.3, Herod is also eyeing on arresting Peter.
 V.3 gives the reason why:
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In parenthesis, the date is indicated. It is the
same day as when Jesus was arrested.
V.4 indicates his swift action:
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He takes him into custody.
He puts him into prison.
He intends to display him after the Passover.
V.5 brings out the contrast between what Herod
does and what the church does.
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It is pleasing to the Jews.
The church fervently prays for Peter.
V.6 describes how Peter has been secured for
the trial. (heavily guarded)
Angel and Peter
 7 Suddenly the angel of the Lord
stood by him and a light shone in the
cell. He tapped Peter on the side
and awakened him, saying, "Get up
quickly." The chains fell from his
wrists. 8 The angel said to him, "Put
on your belt and your sandals." He
did so. Then he said to him, "Put on
your cloak and follow me." 9 So he
followed him out, not realizing that
what was happening through the
angel was real; he thought he was
seeing a vision. 10 They passed the
first guard, then the second, and
came to the iron gate leading out to
the city, which opened for them by
itself. They emerged and made their
way down an alley, and suddenly the
angel left him.
Peter and God
 11 Then Peter recovered his senses
and said, "Now I know for certain
that (the) Lord sent his angel and
rescued me from the hand of Herod
and from all that the Jewish people
had been expecting."
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In v.7 God also does something for
Peter. God intervenes through an
angel.
The actions of the angel:
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Stood by him
Light shone
He tapped Peter
He awakened Peter.
He asked him, “Get up.”
In v.8, the angel asks him to escape.
In v.9, Peter obeys the angel. Peter
thinks he is seeing a vision
(something unreal!).
V.10 describes how Peter escapes
without being detected by the guards.
In v.11, Peter makes a theological
conclusion based on his experience:
God sent his angel to rescue him
from Herod and foiled the
expectations of the Jews on him.
Reflections on the 1st reading
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To be an apostle (to be sent with a commission), one
must be prepared to be like his/her master.
Peter undergoes the same trial as Jesus.
Herod Agrippa seeks to make the Jewish people happy,
at the expense of Peter and the other apostles.
Herod, like his father and brother, is a murderer of the
apostles, trying hard to please the Jews.
Herod arrests Peter and puts him into prison for a trial.
But God has his own way to save Peter.
He sends an angel to help him escape from the scheme
of Herod.
The apostle (missionary) must learn also how to trust in
the saving power of the Lord.
Peter allowed himself to be led by the angel.
Resp. Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
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R. (5) The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.
2 I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
3 Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
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4 Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
5 I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
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6 Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
7 When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
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8 The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
9 Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
Resp. Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
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R. (5) The angel of the Lord will rescue
those who fear him.
2 I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
3 Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
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4 Glorify the LORD with me,
let us together extol his name.
5 I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
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6 Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
7 When the poor one called out, the LORD
heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.
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8 The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
9 Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
Commentary
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The psalm is a thanksgiving hymn. It
represents the feeling of Peter.
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In vv.2-3, the psalmist promises to ever
bless, praise and glory in the Lord.
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In v.3, the poor will rejoice with him.
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In v.4, the psalmist invites his audience
to praise God.
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V.5 gives the reason why.
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V.6 exhorts others to seek God, to be
happy and assured of honor.
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V.7 affirms God’s saving help to the poor
who seek him.
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V.8 tells how God makes the life of the
poor secure.
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In v.9, the psalmist invites his audience
to do the same and experience the
same benefit.
Reflections on the Psalm
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We return to God when we experience salvation
from him.
We should invite others to praise God for helping us.
We must be convinced that God has a certain bias
for the poor who call on him.
We may have committed big errors and people
affected are seeking our lives, but it is a good idea
to take refuge in the Lord when we become so
vulnerable and defenseless.
2nd reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18
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6 I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and
the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed
well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that
day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for
his appearance.
17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so
that through me the proclamation might be completed
and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued
from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from
every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly
kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
The focus is on Paul.
2nd reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18
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6 I, Paul, am already being
poured out like a libation, and
the time of my departure is at
hand. 7 I have competed
well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith. 8 From
now on the crown of
righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just
judge, will award to me on
that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for
his appearance.
17 But the Lord stood by me
and gave me strength, so
that through me the
proclamation might be
completed and all the
Gentiles might hear it. And I
was rescued from the lion's
mouth. 18 The Lord will
rescue me from every evil
threat and will bring me safe
to his heavenly kingdom. To
him be glory forever and
ever. Amen.
Commentary
 Paul’s authorship here is disputed.
 The reading is all about St. Paul as an apostle.
He feels his time is up.
 He has done what he is supposed to do and is
hopeful God will reward him.
 In v.6, Paul feels that he is being “sacrificed”
and will soon die.
 V.7 indicates he has finished his job.
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Like Jesus, Paul has accomplished everything
expected of him as an apostle and missionary.
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Has competed well (with quality)
Has finished the race (did not give up)
Has kept the faith. (consistent)
He did not leave any unfinished agenda.
He did not leave anything unaddressed /
unturned.
He worked with due diligence.
In v.8, Paul expresses his hope for his reward
and those who similarly worked hard for
Jesus.
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6 I, Paul, am already being
poured out like a libation, and
the time of my departure is at
hand. 7 I have competed
well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith. 8 From
now on the crown of
righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just
judge, will award to me on
that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for
his appearance.
17 But the Lord stood by me
and gave me strength, so
that through me the
proclamation might be
completed and all the
Gentiles might hear it. And I
was rescued from the lion's
mouth. 18 The Lord will
rescue me from every evil
threat and will bring me safe
to his heavenly kingdom. To
him be glory forever and
ever. Amen.
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In v.17, Paul in times of threats and danger,
acknowledges God’s protection and
support:
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God stood by me.
He gave me strength.
Paul was not a lonely missionary.
Paul also acknowledges that God has made
him an instrument to complete the work of
proclamation, that all the Gentiles might
hear it.
On the last line, Paul mentions an animal
(lion). It can be figurative. It can refer to his
enemies, who want to put him to death.
In v.18, Paul expresses his belief that the
Lord will save him from threats and bring
him safely to heaven.
The last line is doxology.
In the midst of threats, Paul still glorifies
God.
Reflections on the 2nd reading
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The real author is Paul’s disciple. The writer puts himself
into the shoes of Paul. He is aware of what Paul has
undergone as a missionary.
To work for the church and for the kingdom is a
dangerous job.
The opponents are seriously out for the kill.
The missionary should have a deep faith in God in order
to face trials and death.
We, like Paul, must complete our work to deserve God’s
recognition.
Only then, can we truly and confidently say, “Lord, I have
run the race… I competed well… I look forward to seeing
you in heaven.”
Gospel reading: Matthew 16:13-19
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13 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son
of Man is?" 14 They replied, "Some say John the
Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the
prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that
I am?" 16 Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the
Messiah, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus said to
him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For
flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my
heavenly Father. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates
of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will
give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever
you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and
whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
The focus is on Peter.
A simple outline!
Gospel reading: Matthew 16:13-19
Question
 13 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked
his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
Wrong Answer
 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still
others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Question
 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Correct Answer
 16 Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the
living God."
Responsibility of Peter
 17 Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly
Father. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I
will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not
prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of
heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and
whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Gospel reading: Matthew 16:13-19
Question
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13 When Jesus went into the region of
Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man
is?"
Wrong Answer
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14 They replied, "Some say John the
Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah
or one of the prophets."
Question
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15 He said to them, "But who do you say
that I am?"
Correct Answer
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16 Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the
Messiah, the Son of the living God."
Responsibility of Peter
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17 Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are
you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and
blood has not revealed this to you, but my
heavenly Father. 18 And so I say to you,
you are Peter, and upon this rock I will
build my church, and the gates of the
netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of
heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall
be bound in heaven; and whatever you
loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Commentary
 Caesaria Philippi lies at the
foot of Mt. Hermon, up north.
 It should not be confused with
Caesaria Maritima (along the
Mediterranean Coast)
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In v.13, Jesus asks his
disciples if the people know his
identity as the son of man.
Why does Jesus ask this
question?
Correct knowledge of Jesus
will lead to correct discipleship.
In v.14, Jesus gets wrong
answers.
In v.15, Jesus asks the same
question to his disciples.
In v.16, Peter rightly answers,
“You are the Messiah…”
Question
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13 When Jesus went into the region of
Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man
is?"
Wrong Answer
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14 They replied, "Some say John the
Baptist, others Elijah, still others
Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
Question
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15 He said to them, "But who do you say
that I am?"
Correct Answer
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16 Simon Peter said in reply, "You are
the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
Responsibility of Peter
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17 Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed
are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh
and blood has not revealed this to you,
but my heavenly Father. 18 And so I say
to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock
I will build my church, and the gates of
the netherworld shall not prevail against
it. 19 I will give you the keys to the
kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind
on earth shall be bound in heaven; and
whatever you loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven."
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In v.17, Jesus reveals what makes
Peter correct in his answer.
The heavenly father himself
revealed it.
Now in v.18, Jesus reveals his
plan to build a church.
What is this church?
This is the turning point of the life
of Peter. From now on, Peter will
have a big role in the life of the
church.
In v.19, Jesus gives him the keys
of the kingdom of heaven.
The keys symbolize his authority.
Peter has the authority to allow or
reject people to enter the kingdom
of God.
Theologians say the church is not
the kingdom of God. The church
serves the kingdom of God.
Reflections on the gospel reading
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In the gospel reading, we pay special attention to Peter.
Peter is the spokesperson of the apostles. He speaks on
behalf of them.
Jesus pays attention to him and gives him special
assignment.
Peter will have authority over the church.
It is called the primacy of Peter. He is the first pope.
Protestants or other Christian denominations do not
believe that the authority of Peter was transmitted to his
successors.
We Catholics believe otherwise. That is why, we believe
in the authority of the popes, as successors of Peter.
Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm
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The first reading talks about Peter being arrested and
imprisoned and set to trial, but freed by an angel the
night before.
The psalm leads us to praise God for saving us from
those who seek to harm us.
The second reading talks about Paul feeling the end of
his life.
The gospel reading talks about Peter having authority
over the church.
How to develop your homily / sharing
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We reflect on the roles of Peter and Paul in the
church.
We call them “pillars” of the church, because of
their leadership and missionary endeavors.
Peter was sent to the Jews; Paul to the Gentiles.
Peter, a fisherman, managed two boats and
some crew.
By nature, Peter had leadership. He also had the
ability to take risks, like when he was asked by
Jesus to lower down his nets at an inopportune
time.
He spoke for the other apostles. Among the
apostles, he was the most outspoken.
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Paul, on the other hand, was a well-trained
interpreter of the law.
He received a good education in his youth. He
learned the Greek, Jewish and Roman cultures.
He learned easily about Jesus through the
apostles and made sound theological
conclusions.
A very intelligent interpreter of Jesus and the
teachings of the apostles.
He rose to the category of the apostles though
he did not personally see Jesus.
Based on his writings, he outdid them in terms of
teaching, evangelizing and organizing Christian
communities.
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The first reading does not directly talk about
Peter.
It tells the story how Peter is arrested, heavily
guarded and about to be tried. But the night
before, God sends an angel to free him.
Herod wants to eliminate Peter to please the
Jews. The Jews were pleased when he
eliminated James, the first bishop of the
Jerusalem church (the mother church).
The first reading narrates a short portion of the
story of Peter.
Peter is persecuted, but he does not complain.
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The gospel reading mentions Peter as correctly
answering the question of Jesus.
His answer is completely different from what the
people know about Jesus.
The correct answer must have been based on his
faithful following of Jesus since he was called.
The three-year experience with Jesus in his
mission must have taught him (and the other
apostles) the correct appreciation of who Jesus
is.
His view is not a pious one, but a view that
reveals depth and awareness of who Jesus really
is and is ready to take a big responsibility:
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to take care of the Church and to decide who should
enter the kingdom of heaven.
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In the second reading, we hear of Paul talking to
Timothy about his end.
Paul has spent his life doing missionary work.
He has undergone a lot of trials as he worked
hard for the Lord.
In some of his writings, especially 2 Corinthians,
we get a feel of the passionate and human Paul.
He is a hardworking apostle who was subjected
to all kinds of threats and dangers.
Here in the readings, Paul expresses his hope to
receive God’s award, God’s promise to those
who are faithful to him.
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Peter and Paul have something in common:
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Their feast should instill in us Christians the
value of committing ourselves to Christ and to
his church.
Christian commitment is living a missionary life.
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Both of them worked for Jesus Christ.
Both of them understood who Jesus was.
Both lived in danger.
Both died as martyrs for their faith.
It is living a dangerous life.
Living the Christian faith is not a plaything, it is not an
entertainment, it is not to be taken lightly like a toy.
It is reliving the dangerous memory of Jesus.
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The eucharist is the sacrament of discipleship par
excellence.
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The eucharist is the food for the journey of the true
missionary disciples.
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The eucharist is meaningless to the not so serious
disciples, to the lukewarm, doing nothing for the Lord
and for the church.
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The eucharist is meant for those who build the church
and advance God’s kingdom.
Our Context of Sin and Grace
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Identity crisis, can’t say to
himself/herself, “I am a follower
of Christ.”
Many missionary priests and
nuns live in precarious
situations
Misconception that the lay have
nothing to do with mission
Active only in liturgy, no social
work
Lack of knowledge of Christ =
lack of commitment to him.
Misguided discipleship, more on
externals
So much glamorization of faith
and devotion
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Church with committed
priests, catechists and lay
Spiritual leaders who
have impact even on civil
leaders
Lay faithful who give
witness in their offices
and workplaces
Missionaries who are
courageous and risktakers
Takes the gospel as
starting point in all
activities
Suggested Songs
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Maghandog ng Alay
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPws8drK4MA
When we eat
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http://youtu.be/0qg_-wvSm7M
Be not Afraid
 Go Tell Everyone
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