A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 16:13-19
When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord
REFLECTION: “But who do you say that I am?”
Today is the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. They are considered the pillars of the church--the solid rock on which the Catholic Church is built.
St Peter was martyred by Nero around 64 AD. He was crucified upside down.. He is buried at the very site of the Basilica of St Peter's. He was the head of the Church, the first Pope. He is shown with the Keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
St Paul was martyred (beheaded) around 67 AD. He is buried at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was taught in the religious party of the Pharisees. He held a Roman citizenship. St Paul never saw Jesus. He persecuted the Christians with zeal til his encounter with Jesus in Damascus. He is shown with a sword.
Both men could answer, "But who do you say that I am?"
Will we be ready when Jesus asks us this same question? Who is God in our life? How important is God in our day to day life? Are we competing well and when it is our time, can we say we did well?
Saints Peter and Paul both encountered Jesus and became new people. By the power of God's Gospel we, too, can have this overhaul. Our joy and the power of His Gospel can spill out in our families, homes and in our lives. Bring the power of the Gospel into the messiness of life. When we have this life changing power of God, we will do all well for God and sacrifice ourselves to God and His service. Open your hearts to God's love. Be healed, transformed and restored!!
God Bless You
Yorumlar