June 28, 2019 – Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul

On the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul in 2016, Pope Francis delivered a homily focused on ‘opening’ and closing.’

Here is an excerpt from the Holy Father’s homily:

The reading from the Acts of the Apostles (12:1-11) shows us three examples of “closing”: Peter is cast into prison; the community gathers behind closed doors in prayer; and – in the continuation of our reading – Peter knocks at the closed door of the house of Mary, the mother of John called Mark, after being set free.

In these three examples of “closing”, prayer appears as the main way out.  It is a way out for the community, which risks closing in on itself out of persecution and fear.  It is a way out for Peter who, at the very beginning of the mission given him by the Lord, is cast into prison by Herod and risks execution.  While Peter was in prison, “the church prayed fervently to God for him” (Acts 12:5).  The Lord responds to that prayer and sends his angel to liberate Peter, “rescuing him from the hand of Herod” (cf. v. 11).  Prayer, as humble entrustment to God and his holy will, is always the way out of our becoming “closed”, as individuals and as a community.

To read the entire homily, go to: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2016/06/29/homily_for_solemnity_of_sts_peter_and_paul_full_text/1240760