Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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.”
Peter and Paul
1. Peter. He is known for his passion and dedication, putting his heart into everything he does. Despite being clumsy and sometimes closed-minded, he commits fully to his actions, he goes all out, and that’s what’s important. That’s what our first Pope was like. He put himself on the line for Jesus, but also he denied him. Indeed, God does not call those who are qualified, but he qualifies those He calls. He chooses you the way you are and makes you the best version of yourself, as he did with Peter. Let yourself be drawn by Jesus… Let yourself be drawn by God…
2. Paul. Representing a cold, rational, intellectual figure, Paul has knowledge of languages, culture, and religion. Coming from a well-positioned family, he differs greatly from Peter. But this is the way God shows us that there is no prototype to follow him. He brings out the best in you and in everyone. Paul goes from being a persecutor to being persecuted. He uses his intellect to proclaim Jesus in places where it seemed that no one could reach. When Jesus touches the heart, even the coldest heart becomes a torrent of grace.
3. The Church. Through Peter and Paul, we see that God works wonders and that He uses two totally different persons to form a living, thriving Church. Peter, once a fisherman, became a prominent leader and a lover of Christ. Paul, initially an intellectual magistrate, became a man in love with saving souls. Both utilized their unique skills – Peter, the nets and Paul, the pen – to convey God’s message of salvation. What do you use to get Jesus across to others?
Today, let’s pray for the Pope and for his intentions. May Our Lady take care of him and protect him.
Always remember that something good is on the way.
God bless you and guard you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
