The Mass During the Day continues the celebration of this great solemnity of the Church that was begun at last night’s Vigil Mass. The joint celebration of these two iconic apostles is important as a symbol of Church unity.
The readings today focus on the cost of discipleship. Both Peter and Paul suffered greatly because of their faithfulness to the Gospel, and yet persecution and harsh treatment did not deter them. The First Reading from Acts tells the story of Peter’s miraculous escape from imprisonment at the intervention of the angel of the Lord.
Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. 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. The angel said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. . . 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 in the Second Reading from Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, the apostle speaks of his own experience of the Lord’s protection during his ministry.
The time of my departure is at hand… I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me… 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… 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.
Even though they eventually gave their very lives for the faith, the Good News of Jesus Christ continued to spread throughout the whole world, despite the threats against it. As Jesus said in today’s Gospel from Matthew:
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.
All Christians experience persecution great and small, from totalitarian regimes that crush belief in Christ, to the mockery and harsh debate we might experience in social media and in our everyday conversations. The Lord is with us through all our trials! Let us look to Saint Peter and Saint Paul to inspire the perseverance of our faith.
Peter and Paul Entrance Antiphon These Are the Ones [from Entrance Antiphons for SATB Choir, Vol. 1] (Christopher Walker)
OCP apologizes for not having Let Us All Rejoice settings of the Entrance antiphon for this day. May we direct you to another resource, Entrance Antiphons for SATB Choir by Christopher Walker. Although not in contemporary style, these beautiful settings may provide an alternative for your choir.
Entrance Chant For All the Saints (Traditional; arr. by Trevor Thomson)
Spirit & Song #292; Never Too Young #131; Breaking Bread #708
Let us repeat the iconic hymn that we sang for the Entrance Chant at last night’s Vigil Mass. “For All the Saints” speaks of the saints’ tireless dedication to Christ. Trevor Thomson provides a contemporary setting.
Responsorial Psalm The Angel of the Lord (Cyprian Consiglio and John Penington)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 258
This verbatim psalm setting by Cyprian Consiglio and John Pennington has an appealing Afro-Carribean beat.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Renewal (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 260
The acclamation verse is taken from today’s Gospel and helps us to focus on its central teaching.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Jesus Christ Is Lord (Ken Canedo)
Spirit & Song #195
With text from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians that may have inspired one of the first hymns of the early Church, this modern setting allows us to sing the apostle’s powerful words on Jesus’ obedience to his Father through his acceptance of the Cross.
Peter and Paul Communion Antiphon Peter Said to Jesus [from Communion Antiphons for SATB Choir, Vol. 1] (Christopher Walker)
OCP apologizes for not having Let Us All Rejoice settings of the Communion antiphon for this day. Communion Antiphons for SATB Choir provides an alternative antiphon setting for your choir.
Communion Chant Be Not Afraid (Bob Dufford, SJ)
Spirit & Song #271; Never Too Young #213; Breaking Bread #563
This classic song by Fr. Bob Dufford has inspired Christians throughout the world with its soaring melody and words of hope.
Sending Forth Lead Me, Lord (John Becker)
Spirit & Song #221; Never Too Young #19; Breaking Bread #725
It is good to sing well-known songs during the summer months, when choirs and ensembles might be on break. “Lead Me, Lord” encourages us to follow the example of Saints Peter and Paul in their dedication to Christ.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
If you want to use songs that are not in any of the books you have, you can license the songs through ONE LICENSE. Paying for the usage of songs will ensure the Church will have quality songs for years to come.
