The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is a major liturgical celebration in the Roman Catholic Church. Normally a weekday liturgy, this year’s celebration falls on Sunday and is the last of three successive solemnities that begin the post-Pentecost Ordinary Time season.
As recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and expressed in the letters of both Paul and Peter, the early Church was growing dramatically, expanding in ways not envisioned by the original apostles. It was Paul of Tarsus, called later by the resurrected Lord as an apostle, who added a new dynamic to the mission of the Church by bringing the Good News to the Gentiles.
The early Christians initially saw themselves as a branch of the Jewish faith, and the Gospel of Matthew proclaimed Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets. This connection to Judaism was essential to Peter and the original apostles. Paul’s vision for Christianity transcended its Jewish roots, and this appealed to the Gentiles. There were some conflicts between the communities of Peter and Paul, particularly in the requirement of the Jewish initiation rite for those who chose to be baptized. These conflicts were debated and settled in what came to be known as the Council of Jerusalem, as noted in Acts 15 when Peter advocated on Paul’s behalf: “We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way as they.” The requirement of circumcision was lifted, and a blessing given to Paul’s outstanding missionary work. The Church grew by leaps and bounds.
Today’s readings reveal the focus of each apostle’s ministry. In the First Reading from Acts, at the temple in Jerusalem, Peter and John heal a crippled man in the name of Christ as they preached to the people of Israel. In the Second Reading from Galatians, Paul testifies how he was called by God to preach the Good News to the Gentiles. The missions of Peter and Paul were equally important for the growth of the Church. As we see in John’s Gospel, their ministry was grounded in Jesus’ simple but powerful words to Peter on the beach at the Sea of Tiberius: “Tend my sheep.”
In tomorrow’s readings from Mass During the Day, we will see how a disciple of Christ preaches the Good News at great personal sacrifice.
Peter and Paul Entrance Antiphon Peter the Apostle [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
This iconic hymn is customarily sung only once a year on the Solemnity of All Saints. It is certainly appropriate to sing on today’s celebration of the two great apostles, and Trevor Thomson provides a contemporary setting that respects the hymn’s traditional roots.
Responsorial Psalm Their Message Goes Out Through All he Earth (John Finch)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 253
John Finch is one of OCP’s new contemporary composers. His verbatim setting of Psalm 19 is a joyful and accessible.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of St Killian (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 256
The acclamation verse from John 21:17 helps prepare us to listen attentively to the proclamation of the Gospel.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts For the Sake of Christ (Ken Canedo)
Spirit & Song #296
This setting of St. Paul’s wisdom on the redemptive suffering of Christ allows us to sing the words of the great apostle.
Peter and Paul Communion Antiphon Simon, Son of John [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 I Will Choose Christ (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #220; Never Too Young #261; Breaking Bread #495
From verse 3: “As I look upon your cross, so too must I die with you.” The cross was central to the writings of St. Paul, and St. Peter was martyred on a cross like his Lord.
Sending Forth Go Out, Go Out (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #212; Breaking Bread #390
The mission of the great apostles was to bring the Good News to all the world. This song sends us out to do the same.
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