Who do you say that I am?

Solemnity of the Saints Peter and Paul

Today’s feast honours two great Saints, who between them represent the Church’s mission to both Jews (Peter) and Gentiles (Paul) in other words to the whole world. Both are important figures in the early Church. St. Peter whom Jesus calls “rock” the person to whom Jesus entrusts the Church and gives “the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” St. Paul (formerly Saul) became a Christian on his way to Damascus after encountering the ‘risen Christ’ and travelled tirelessly to preach about Jesus.

In the Gospel Jesus askes the disciples who do the people say he is. At the time, they were in the region of Caesarea Philippi north of the Sea of Galilee, the incident is mentioned in both Mark and Matthew’s gospel. Peter answers Jesus’ question by identifying Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. It is Peter’s profession of faith. In Luke’s gospel Jesus’ question is placed in the context of Jesus praying. Jesus, askes the disciples what they believe, and Peter speaks for all of them announcing that Jesus is the Christ. “Christ” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for “Messiah,” which means “the anointed one.” Jesus gives Peter a new title (rock was not a known personal name at that time) and a mission of teaching authority. It is the first mention of the word ‘Church’ in the New Testament. In the person of Peter, united with the Apostles (today the Bishops united with the Pope and guided by him), the Church received from Christ the power of the “keys” of the Kingdom of heaven, or the power of ‘binding’ and ‘loosing’ in relation to the forgiveness of sins. Peter is given this special role as he recognized Jesus’ identity. Peter is the foundation of the Church (the first Pope). Paul also proclaims Jesus as the “Son of God” after his conversion and makes it his mission to preach this news to the Gentiles. In the Second reading which is a letter of Paul written to Timothy from a prison cell he reflects on his suffering and impending death. Paul is confident and unwavering in his faith, constantly giving glory to God.

Tradition holds that both Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome. The responsibility for the continuation of the profession of faith has been handed down to the Bishop of Rome and thus the Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the head of the Catholic Church.

A reading from the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 16: 13-19)

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 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. 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. 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 Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

  1. Read the Gospel story so that you are familiar with it.
  2. Reflect on what the Gospel story is saying to you. Which points would you highlight and why? 
  3. Children look to their parents as examples of how to act and how to behave. They respond to others using what we say and do. How we react to Jesus’ teachings and message of caring for others will shape our children’s faith formation. Take time to pray for guidance and wisdom before we react to a situation. Invite Jesus into your family life.
  4. Always keep a picture of the Pope at home and this week try to learn more about our latest Pope Leo XIV. Help your children to understand that the Pope has followed on from Peter.
  5. Together with your family find the right time to read this Gospel. The environment helps, so before you start, prepare;.
  6. ·i. The Bible reading from St Matthew (16: 13-19)
    ii. Candle
    iii. Cover the table with a red cloth
    iv. A computer/laptop with the readings and clips
  7. Go through the steps with your children (2 age groups are being suggested).
  8. Feel free to adapt to your situation
  9. Be creative 😊 

Today is the Feast of two great Saints, Peter and Paul, we celebrate this feast every year on 29th June. St Peter was a fisherman whom Jesus chose to be an apostle. Paul became a Christian on his way to Damascus when he had a vision of Jesus. Paul travelled to many counties preaching about Jesus’ love.

  • Simon Peter recognises Jesus as the Son of God.
  • Jesus gives Simon a new name (Peter) and tells him that he will build his Church on him.

In the Gospel today we hear the title which Peter gives to Jesus “Son of God”, and we hear the name which Jesus gives to Peter : “Rock”. Jesus makes Peter the rock on which he will build his Church. Jesus wanted to build his Church on strong ground and rock is a strong material a very good base. Jesus strengthens Peter’s faith in Him, and he is able to confess that Jeus is the Messiah. Peter believed in Jesus and wanted to follow him and serve him. Peter played an important role in building the Church after Jesus had gone back to heaven. He taught the people and witnessed to them the truth about Jesus. Both Peter and Paul were sent to continue Jesus’ work on earth.

We believe that the Pope is the successor of Peter. The Pope lives in the Vatican which is in Rome. The Pope is the chief shepherd who looks after all God’s people. He leads us and teaches us how to follow Jesus. Do you know the name of the Pope? His name is Leo XIV. Try this week to find out one fact about the Pope, you can ask your parents to help you.

Sign of the Cross

Lord, just as Peter believed in you, so also do we. Let us pray for world leaders that they may serve their people well and work so that no members of society live in poverty. We pray also for all Priests so that they may carry out their mission in the spirit of love and truth. Amen

Watch the video to learn more about Saints Peter and Paul.

Today we celebrate two great Saints, Peter and Paul. Peter was a fisherman who Jesus chose to be an apostle and the leader of the Church. Paul became a Christian on the way to Damascus; he travelled to other countries to preach about Jesus. He made 4 missionary journeys over 14 years.

  • We believe that the leadership of the Church has been passed down from Peter to successive holders of the office of the Bishop of Rome.
  • Through Peter and Paul’s preaching ministry and martyrdom, Christ established his Church
  • Coat of Arms template and explanation
  • Colours
Printout 1Download
Printout 2Download

In today’s gospel Peter tells Jesus that he knows that he is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus knows that he has been given this understanding from God and Jesus says to Peter, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” Jesus makes Peter the rock or foundation of his Church. Peter is given this special role while being enabled by the Lord to teach the truth about Him and carry on His mission after his death and resurrection. Jesus sent both Peter and Paul to continue his work on earth. These two great leaders died for their faith in Rome. From that moment onwards, the leader of the Church lives in Rome, today in the Vatican City State, at the heart of the Roman city.

We believe that the Pope is the successor of Peter, and the bishops are the successors of the apostles. The Pope is the shepherd of God’s people; the Pope and bishops serve the People of God throughout the world. The Sacrament of Holy Orders consecrates a man to a life of service to God and the Church. This sacrament continues the work Jesus handed on to his apostles. Nevertheless, we must remember that all the baptised must share in the work of Jesus. We work together to make God’s love known to everyone. This week, try to learn one new thing about our new Pope Leo XIV. Print out and colour the templates and they will help you.

Sign of the cross.

Dear God, just as Peter and Paul helped to build up your Church let us be ‘rocks’ of faith. Help us to stand firm and be inspired by them serving others joyfully and speaking up for what we believe.

Amen.

Listen to Hosanna Rock.

How to use this space

God speaks to us in many ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings. Here you will find useful background and activities to better understand the upcoming Sunday's Scripture readings, helping you to connect the Scripture to daily life in a meaningful way.