Peter and Paul, Apostles Solemnity / Vigil
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19: 2-3, 4-5
Second Reading: Galatians 1: 11-20
Alleluia: John 21: 17
Gospel: John 21: 15-19
Vigil Mass Readings
First Reading: Acts 3: 1-10
1 Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer.
2 And a certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb, was carried: whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, that he might ask alms of them that went into the temple.
3 He, when he had seen Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms.
4 But Peter with John fastening his eyes upon him, said: Look upon us.
5 But he looked earnestly upon them, hoping that he should receive something of them.
6 But Peter said: Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise, and walk.
7 And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up, and forthwith his feet and soles received strength.
8 And he leaping up, stood, and walked, and went in with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
10 And they knew him, that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened to him.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 19: 2-3, 4-5
R. (5) Their message goes out through all the earth.
2 The heavens shew forth the glory of God, and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.
3 Day to day uttereth speech, and night to night sheweth knowledge.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
4 There are no speeches nor languages, where their voices are not heard.
5 Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth: and their words unto the ends of the world.
R. Their message goes out through all the earth.
Second Reading: Galatians 1: 11-20
11 For I give you to understand, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
12 For neither did I receive it of man, nor did I learn it; but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion: how that, beyond measure, I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it.
14 And I made progress in the Jews’ religion above many of my equals in my own nation, being more abundantly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased him, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, immediately I condescended not to flesh and blood.
17 Neither went I to Jerusalem, to the apostles who were before me: but I went into Arabia, and again I returned to Damascus.
18 Then, after three years, I went to Jerusalem, to see Peter, and I tarried with him fifteen days.
19 But other of the apostles I saw none, saving James the brother of the Lord.
20 Now the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.
Alleluia: John 21: 17
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
17 Lord, you know everything: you know that I love you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: John 21: 15-19
15 When therefore they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter: Simon son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs.
17 He said to him the third time: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he had said to him the third time: Lovest thou me? And he said to him: Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee. He said to him: Feed my sheep.
18 Amen, amen I say to thee, when thou wast younger, thou didst gird thyself, and didst walk where thou wouldst. But when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee whither thou wouldst not.
19 And this he said, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said this, he saith to him: Follow me.
Reflection
At the Beautiful Gate, Peter has no silver or gold to offer, yet he gives what he has received: the healing power of Jesus Christ. The man rises, enters the temple, and praises God, while the message of God’s work begins to go out among all who witness it. The apostles’ ministry does not come from their own strength. It flows from Christ, whose grace changes lives and sends his disciples to serve.
Jesus then brings Peter back to the heart of his calling: “Do you love me?” Each profession of love is joined to a responsibility—feed my lambs, feed my sheep. Love for Christ becomes care for his people, even when discipleship leads somewhere difficult and costly. Paul’s life confirms the same truth: the Gospel is received through the revelation of Jesus, and grace can turn a persecutor into a preacher. Our own service begins here too. We may have limited resources, but we can offer faithful attention, the truth of the Gospel, and a life that directs praise toward God. Christ’s love gives the mission its power.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you know all things and you know that we love you, even when our love is imperfect. Strengthen us by your grace to follow you faithfully. Teach us to recognize the needs of those placed before us and to serve them with patience and compassion. Keep us from relying on our own abilities, and make us generous with whatever you have entrusted to us. May our words and actions reveal your Gospel, so that others may rise in hope and give praise to God. Guide us wherever love requires us to go. Amen.







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