Dear Friends:
Today we hear the Gospel of Matthew 16: 13-20. It’s the story of Jesus asking the Apostles the famous question “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They reply, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Jesus asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answers for all when he says “you are the Christ, the son of the living God.” It did not come to Peter by ordinary means. Peter is blessed because God the Father has given him this information. Peter will become the rock upon which Jesus will build the church. To further emphasize the importance of what Peter has done, Jesus says to him “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus is passing the gauntlet of authority from himself to Peter, the apostles and subsequently the church. It is a great moment in church history; it is a great moment for the people of God.
When I hear this passage from Matthew, I am always taken aback by what has actually happened in this reading. Jesus has given the charge of his church to human beings. He has provided leadership that is needed to keep the church going until the end of the world.
We are all charged with the same challenge Jesus presented to Peter and his disciples. Our Baptism promises include each one of us in this challenge. We are all responsible to see that the Church Jesus started over two thousand years ago remains alive and well.
What will we do to see the challenge fulfilled? What will we say when we are asked who Jesus is and what he stands for?
Peace and All Good!
Deacon Jim
I never thought I would see the day when children would not be able to attend school. It is a little disconcerting, isn’t it? The Corona Virus has changed the way we live and I wonder how much of what used to be will come back again. Let us all ask the Lord to help us as we struggle to understand what all this means for us. Ask the Lord to guide us all as we approach a new way of living.
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