June 29 2019 : Saints Peter and Paul (transferred to June 30 in some territories)
The antiphon is derived from the Gospel for the Vigil Mass of this day, John 21:15-19. The psalm verses specified, from Psalm 80, follow the suggestion for the Mass of the Day in the Missal.
The connection between Peter being called to feed Christ’s lambs and priests and ministers being called to feed the faithful in Holy Communion is an obvious one. Slightly less obvious is the implied reference to the Gospel which tells us that in following Jesus we may be called to go to places that we do not necessarily wish for ourselves. Our love of him needs to be self-sacrificial.
Another version of this antiphon, with alleluias in the second half and different psalm verses, was used on the 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C.
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