June 29, 2025 – Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Catholic Insights

On this feast day celebrating Saints Peter and Paul, we are treated to several stories about these giants of the early church. The first reading tells how Peter was wondrously freed from prison during the early persecution of the church. The second reading hints at Paul’s persecution at around the same time. The Gospel reading is the famous account of Jesus changing Simon Peter’s name to “Petros” (petra = “rock” in Greek) and pronouncing him the foundation of the church Jesus promised to build.

This re-naming story carries echoes of the stories of other figures in Jewish history who were given new names when God entrusted them with significant roles. Abram became Abraham, and Sarai became Sarah. Their grandson Jacob was renamed “Israel.” Much later, probably a few years after Simon Peter became the “Rock,” Saul became Paul when he was blinded by the light on the road to Damascus and God called him to preach to the Gentiles. At the time when Jesus gave Simon his new name, there was a lot of hype surrounding Jesus, and the crowds were trying to sort out what to make of him. Certainly the people were imagining he was at least on par with the greatest figures in their history: Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets, or maybe even John the Baptist whom Herod had recently killed.

The story seems to give the sense that Jesus was testing—or at least checking—the apostles’ comprehension. What did they really believe about him after the things they had heard and seen him do already? Maybe they all hoped or thought that Jesus was the Messiah their people had awaited for so many centuries, but to put it into words probably seemed audacious. It was Simon Peter who had the pluck to speak what was on his mind and so he was rewarded with Jesus’ praise. As the early Church developed in the decades after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter’s role became foundational as Jesus foretold. Still today, the Catholic Church looks back to this event as a key to understanding Peter’s role in leadership.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, At Home with the Word, Breaking Open the Word, The Chosen series

Things to talk about:

• Of all the Apostles, why does Jesus choose Peter as the foundation of the Church?
• What did Jesus mean when He said He would build His church on this rock?
• What are the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” that Jesus mentioned?
• Why do you think some people might have been hesitant to believe or proclaim that Jesus was the Messiah?
• If Jesus were to ask you now “Who do you say that I am?” how would you answer, not necessarily in theological terms, but in personal terms? Who is he to you?

Things to do:

• Make “Brigadeiro,” Brazilian candies shaped like little rocks.
• Have children find a smooth rock and write or paint Peter’s name on it.
• Celebrate the 4th of July this week!
  • Set aside time to pray together for our nation, its leaders, and for the continued blessings of liberty and peace.
  • Write thank-you notes to service members and veterans, expressing gratitude for their service and sacrifices.
  • Watch movies that highlight American history and values, such as “1776,” “National Treasure,” or “The Patriot.”

Closing Prayer

O God, who on the Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul,

give us the noble and holy joy of this day,

grant, we pray, that your Church may in all things follow the teaching

of those through whom she received the beginnings of right religion.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Source: Roman Missal, Collect for Mass during the day on June 29