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August 7, 2014

In the gospel reading, Jesus asks his disciples first who other people say he is. Then he asks them who they themselves say he is. He wants to know if their answer is different since they have been following him closely unlike the other people. It is Simon Barjona (Peter’s original name) who acknowledges Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus recognizes that Simon’s answer has been inspired by the Holy Spirit, so he gives him a new name, Peter, which means “rock” and proceeds to proclaim Peter head of the Church. Changing Simon’s name to Peter signifies his new identity, the holder of the key of heaven, the first Pope of the Church founded by Christ, a Church that will last till the end of time because it is built on solid foundation. When Jesus tells his apostles about his going to Jerusalem where he will suffer and die, Peter stops him. Who would want his master to be killed? But Jesus calls him Satan because he is an obstruction to his mission. Peter may have known who Jesus is, but up till then, he has not understood Jesus’ mission.

We too may fall victim to a deceptive mentality caused by our lack of faith in God’s way of accomplishing His plan. As we go through our journey of faith, we get to understand who Jesus is and his ways only if we accept with humility the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in us.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 5

<< Thursday, August 7, 2014 >>

Pope St. Sixtus II
& Companions
St. Cajetan

Jeremiah 31:31-34
View Readings

Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19

Matthew 16:13-23
Similar Reflections

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

"You are not judging by God's standards but by man's." —Matthew 16:23

Jesus founded His Church in the shadows of Caesarea Philippi, a city named after and built by the Roman emperor (Mt 16:13). In contrast, Jesus' Church had no land or buildings. It was just a few common people.

Jesus founded His Church on Simon Peter, a simple Jewish fisherman, rather than on the mighty Roman emperor or other worldly powers (Mt 16:18). Jesus implied that His Church would be victorious not by inflicting suffering and death but by sharing in His sufferings and death. Jesus paints the picture of a poor, weak, and suffering Church, at least by the world's standards.

Amazingly, this Church holds the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Mt 16:19). It can attack and conquer Caesarea Philippi and all Satan's strongholds (Mt 16:18). Whatever it binds or looses on earth is bound or loosed in heaven (Mt 16:19). This is the Church of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, mold me and the Church according to Your plan.

Promise: "The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah." —Jer 31:31

Praise: Pope St. Sixtus II was pope only one year before he made the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom for his Lord.