Feast of St Peter and St Paul -Year B 2024

Matthew 16:13-19  'You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church'.


When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved

Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

Interesting that two such great leaders of the church share the same day: Peter the institutional head (maintenance) and Paul the visionary and outreach apostle (missionary)


  1. Reflect on your Christian beliefs: what has changed and what hasn’t changed in your life?
  2. If you were asked, how would you explain Jesus to a person who had not heard of him? *

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

 

As we celebrate the Feast Day of St Peter and St Paul, we are reminded of the importance of faith and prayer in our lives. May Peter’s and Paul’s devotion to Jesus, and the message of the Gospel, despite the challenges and obstacles they faced, continue to inspire Pope Francis and our church leaders today.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


As Peter and Paul found solutions to their differences inspired by their faith, may we be alert to the promptings of the spirit in our own age, and be generous in service to our sisters and brothers worldwide who need our care and support.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For all who are working for understanding and tolerance in our multi faith communities. May we be guided to take a lead in building bridges of friendship and understanding with other faiths around us.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For cooperation between nations, addressing the causes of conflict, environmental exploitation, and all structural injustices. May we contribute to this momentum, by finding joy in the natural beauty that surrounds us, and finding peace in our hearts.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For this country as we face a General Election in a few days. May candidates be inspired by a thirst for service rather than power. May we, as voters, have a clear vision of the most unified and compassionate way ahead to address the needs of the most vulnerable amongst us.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For those receiving their first communion this weekend. On this, their special day, may they and their families be upheld by the love and prayers of this, their church community.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For all who are sick, housebound or carrying burdens. May they feel the comfort of the Lord’s presence from those who care for them. We include all on the Prayer Foundation list.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


For those who have recently died and those whose anniversaries fall at this time. We give thanks for the gift of their lives. In particular we remember Helen Barratt and Anne Grieve.

Lord in your mercy. Hear our prayer.


Let us now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.

Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN

Preparing for next week -  14th Sunday B

Mark 6:1-6   'A prophet is only despised in his own country'


Jesus went to his home town and his disciples accompanied him. With the coming of the sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue and most of them were astonished when they heard him. They said, ‘Where did the man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been granted him, and these miracles that are worked through him? This is the carpenter, surely, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joset and Jude and Simon? His sisters, too, are they not here with us?’ And they would not accept him. And Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country, among his own relations and in his own house’; and he could work no miracle there, though he cured a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
This is the gospel of the Lord.

Copyright © 1996-2021 Universalis Publishing Limited: see www.universalis.com.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

Text of the Psalms: Copyright © 1963, The Grail (England). All rights reserved


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

If we were asked to list the flaws in our family members, we'd have no problem setting about the task. But what about listing their merits and the many hidden ways that they enrich our lives?

Is the hum of the humdrum drowning out the subtle but beautiful music being played all around us?

  1. At the end of each day this week, recall the times when family and friends reminded you of the presence of Jesus in your life by what they said and did for you.
  2. If you were asked, how would you explain Jesus to a person who had not heard of him? *

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center