today is the day
"No mere man has revealed this to you, but My heavenly Father." —Matthew 16:17
Because the Church is founded on the apostles, today is a very significant day. In some countries, today's feast of Sts. Peter and Paul is a holy day of obligation. The Lord has done such astounding works on this day that the Church in some countries believes that in charity it should oblige Catholics to celebrate the Eucharist today and receive all the Lord wants to give them.
Today the Lord sends an angel to free those in bondage (see Acts 12:7). Today the Lord thwarts the murderous plans of wicked governments (see Acts 12:1ff). On this holy day, people are pouring out their lives in total surrender to the Lord's will (see 2 Tm 4:6). Today the Lord is giving the grace of a happy death to many thousands (see 2 Tm 4:7-8). On this special day of grace, the Lord is changing people's names and lives, as these people profess Jesus as "the Messiah" and "the Son of the living God" (Mt 16:16). Today the Lord is raising up leaders for His Church (see Mt 16:18). In turn, these leaders will raise up the Church to attack and conquer the very gates of hell (Mt 16:18).
Today is a holy day. It is set apart (see Sir 33:7-9). It is a day of love, power, conversion, forgiveness, reconciliation, healing, and hope. Sts. Peter and Paul, pray for us.
Prayer: Father, today in this year of the Great Jubilee, I open my heart to receive more than I can ever ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20).
Promise: "The Lord will continue to rescue me from all attempts to do me harm and will bring me safe to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." —2 Tm 4:18
Praise: Sts. Peter and Paul, a fisherman and a tentmaker, were the chosen apostles to the Jews and Gentiles, who spread the good news to all the earth.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 16, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 1999