the e-Testament
Matthew 16: 13-19
When Jesus arrived in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some think he is John the Baptizer, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
He pressed them, “And how about you? Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.
“And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.”
Prayer
Loving Father of all
Increase our faith so that we may share your life and Christ’s gospel of love with everyone we meet.
Protect Francis, our pope; guide him in his thoughts and actions as he leads your growing church to new, exciting heights.
Finally lord, let us listen…
Amen
Reflection
In our gospel today, on this solemnity, Jesus reminds us of his love for us!
Today we celebrate the creation of a Pope, our first Pope, Peter. The lord asks the question, who do you say I am. Peter, openly and freely with no outside sources says, ‘’ the son of the living God’’ today it is only fitting that we thanks God for our present Holy Father, Pope Francis. His inspirational personality translates to that of what Jesus saw in Peter. On you I will build my church, on Francis, the church will continue to grow.
Also with our gospel this week, we are called to listen to God, in the busyness of our lives, we sometime forget that God, is a constant, things will change in our lives, sometimes for the better and sometime for the worse. We must remember to, yes, talk to our father but not over power him with requests, instead, listen to what he calls you to do. One month, two ears!
We, as Christians are called to take up Peter’s staff and be the shepherds of the Lords people. We are to show each other love, the love Jesus has shown and will always show us.
Happy Feast!
Ste Lloyd - Salesian Pre-Novice