There is nothing greater than having heavenly help and protection, especially when one has been thrown into prison. After Peter's arrest, he was freed from prison by an angel and was able to escape and continue his mission.

Paul realised that the end was near and thanked God for having freed him from similar predicaments. God was with the Apostles every step of the way. But we can also rely on heavenly help and guidance - but probably not in such a dramatic way.

God is always with us, and Jesus is always by our side. The other Apostles answered Jesus' question - who did people say He was - by repeating what they heard in the marketplace.

Peter listened to the voice of the Spirit within and proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Jesus was delighted with his answer because it had been revealed, and so He gave Peter a new name - the rock - and authority over the community. The rock represented faith, commitment, and fidelity. In that sense, we, too, can be the rock upon which Jesus builds His Church.