The Feasts of Saints Peter and Paul | Wednesday 29 June 2022

Today is Wednesday the 29th June, the feasts of Saints Peter and Paul.

The Choir of Westminster Cathedral sing Tu Es Petrus by Palestrina: ‘You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’
Tu es Petrus
et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam meam
et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam.
Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum.
Quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis,
et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelis.
Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum.
You are Peter,
And upon this Rock I will build My Church:
and the gates of hell shall not overcome it.
And I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind upon earth shall be bound in heaven,
and whatever you release upon earth shall be released in heaven,
and I will give you the keys to the kingdom of Heaven.

Today’s reading is from the second letter to Timothy.
2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18

As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

St Paul’s work in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles is done. And what a journey he has been on. A journey where he has been under threat many times. Is there a moment of St Paul’s journey that inspires you particularly? Reflect on this with the Lord, and why you might be drawn to it…

These brave words are being written from prison where he knows further persecution awaits him. And yet. He can write “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack, and save me for his heavenly kingdom.” Do you know anyone today with this level of faith?

As you listen to the passage again, let the reality of persecution for faith sink in.

In this closing time of prayer, consider those whom you know, or have read or heard about, who are in prison for their faith. Bring them to the forefront of your prayers today. Stand with them. Give them your support, in whatever way you feel led.


Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.