Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 16,13-23.
Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and 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 Messiah, 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.”
Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah.
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.
Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”
He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
Who is Jesus to you?
1- Who is Jesus to you? It’s a question you should ask yourself thousands of times. If you look back and ask yourself the question of who Jesus is to you, I think you will realize the answer is a process. This question is dynamic and takes different approaches in your life, at different moments or stages. That’s why it’s worth asking yourself, “Who is Jesus in your life today?” Be honest with yourself and I accept what God stands for you. Is He the lucky charm you hang onto many times? Is He Aladdin’s lamp which you continually ask for things? Well, who is God to you today?
2- Rock: Today we are Christians who find ourselves in a depleted world, which is why we must learn and know more of our faith. Yes, pray, talk to God, but study as well. How much do you know about your faith? Can you explain some points to others? And this is fundamental in order to be a rock and support of your family and of society, and of your spirituality. We should have clear what we believe because as St. Augustine said: “I believe to understand, I understand to believe.”
3- Acceptance: It is clear that the cross is present in our life and we should accept that not everything is bright and rosy in life. But it is worth remembering that it is through the Cross that we find salvation. The Cross is a point of hope, because it is a sacrifice for love, it is to make something sacred for love.
May God and Mary protect you, bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. …and do not forget: Heaven is Our Goal!
