Mt 16:13-19
Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Having recently been in St. Peter's in Rome, the phrase, "upon this rock" leaps out at me this morning. This magnificent basilica of enormous size and filled with countless works of art is more than just a photo op, or a display of the best that artists can conceive and execute, but it is a sign of the fidelity and commitment of God to man and man to God. We have given the BEST of what architects and artists have created to help our souls soar into the presence of God and experience a bit of "heaven on earth." Work continues to preserve this masterpiece, especially in view of the upcoming Holy Year in 2025. So too with our faith, a magnificent gift, a basilica that we work to maintain, preserve and expand. Little did the fisherman Peter dream that such a testimony to him should inspire so many 2000 years after his death...Nor did Paul, a persecutor of the Church, even dream that he would become one of its greatest teachers and preachers. It is humbling to see what God can do with us. Let us be ready to answer his call and to "do whatever his tells us."
Bro. Rene
Dear God, open my heart to receive your call and to respond with the faith and zeal of Saints Peter and Paul. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment