Daily Gospel
Dai
READING OF THE DAY
A reading from the Acts
Ac 3, 1-10
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?
A reading from the letter of St Paul to Galatians
1, 11-20
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)
GOSPEL OF THE DAY
From the Gospel according to John
Jn 21: 15-19
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
GOD’S MESSAGE
(The Word of God For Everyone)
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Vigil
(Jn 21:15-19)
06/28/22
God’s Word For Everyone
Dear People of God,
The Word of God today reports that God chose and called the two Saints Peter and Paul who are the two leading pillars in the Church. These two pillars are placed by God in two different directions, but both point towards the same God who gives salvation to people.
Saint Peter was a man directly called and chosen by God in a special way. He was just an uneducated fisherman, but God saw that in the depths of his heart, Peter had a heart that loved and feared God.
Peter, who was placed by God in his work of salvation. Therefore, during Jesus’ life of public evangelization, he taught Peter to be as devoted as a teacher to a disciple, as a father to a son.
Jesus did not hesitate to rebuke Peter in times of error, as He called him: “Get behind me, Satan.” This is a very severe rebuke, but it is a word that contains the deep love of God for the Saint, because He will make him the head of the Church, which is the body of Jesus Christ. It is a very special and noble responsibility.
Therefore, before Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, he appeared and tested the saint’s faith by asking three questions of great significance, summed up in the word “love”. He asked Peter three times: “Do you love me more than these brothers?”. And with enthusiasm and devotion for his Master, Peter answered God in a very strong and decisive way: “Yes, my Lord, You know I love you”. It is precisely this unequivocal profession of love for God, that Peter, whom God has placed as the cornerstone of his saving work, is the head of the Church. When Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He gave the task of taking care of the Church and shepherding His flock, continuing the work of evangelizing to bring down God’s salvation to all mankind.
Saint Peter was a man directly chosen by God, and Paul was a fervent traditionalist who had previously sought to persecute the disciples of Jesus Christ. Saint Paul was given the gift of conversion by God, was chosen by God and used as “His weapon” in the work of salvation to bring sinners back to God. The two saints were very pleased with God, they put God above all things and obeyed God in every way, by sacrificing themselves, giving themselves up to fight against the enemy, to save souls for God, exchanging their own lives so that God’s work can be spread throughout the world.
The image of the two Saints called and placed by God is also an example for all those who want to follow Jesus Christ intimately.That is, to put “Love” first: to have fear and love God above all things. Profess our faith in Jesus Christ as the God of love who is always present and alive and gives love to everyone. He invites all His children who are experiencing trials and tribulations, to run to God, to rely on His love. God will always protect and take care of all those who come to take refuge in His loving heart.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
