Peter's Faith

Today's Gospel calls our attention to Peter's profession of faith, when he responded to Jesus's question, "Who do you say that I am?"  Peter responded, "You are the Christ." (cf. Mk 8: 29). We need to hear Jesus ask this question to us often, because our busyness often interferes with our faith.  We go by rote rather than by faith.  Sometimes there are events in our lives that stir up our dormant faith, such as the beautiful wedding of Maria and Anthony, mentioned as a note attached to yesterday's slice of bread.  What a boost to the faith of all who attended to witness this couple so strong in their faith give their lives to each other in total love forever.  The beauty of the church, the music, the 9 priests on the altar, the excellent homily explaining all the necessities for a holy and lasting marriage, and the faith of everyone there along with the genuine joy that followed in the reception was like being in heaven for a time and being able to say with all the passion of Peter, "You are the Christ."  Yes, YOU are for REAL and all that you have described and promised is possible. 
A young couple I had met through Anthony several years ago, were in need of prayer so I had added them to my list, but not seen them till yesterday when I found out that my persistent prayers made in faith were answered and they were the proud parents of a little son, Antonio!  Wow!  If ever in \doubt about the power of prayer and the need to keep praying, even when you no longer have contact with the people you are praying for, came home to me as a powerful reminder that God hears our prayers and answers them, whether we know it or not.
And along these lines, let me recommend a very moving film about the need for faith and the power of prayer:  War Room...It is a powerful rubber stamp of what I have just written.  Let us spend this day repeating Peter's confession of faith. "You are the Christ"!
Bro. /Rene