21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A
HE HAS SOMETHING FOR YOU, TOO!
MT 16: 13-20
MESSAGE:
Good Catholics that we are, most reflections today will be about St. Peter, his declaration of faith, and the gift and task that Jesus gave him as the first pope in history. Sure enough, Peter’s words are amazingly true and powerful: “You are the Christ… You are the Messiah… You are the Son of God!” Who would not be impressed by such wisdom and conviction? Peter was not there when Jesus was baptized, when the Father spoke from heaven to confirm his Son’s identity. The Transfiguration experience also did not yet occur at this time, and so again, there was no source of such profound information for Peter. The Lord Jesus makes it clear; this revelation was granted to Peter by God the Father himself. However let us not forget that the gospel is not for Peter alone, not for the pope alone. This story is about every Christian who puts his trust in the Lord, who believes in Jesus through all the trials and challenges of their daily lives. We too, wake up each day saying in our hearts: “You are the Messiah; You are the Savior; You are my strength; You are my hope.” There may be some doubts, some questions in our minds when the road gets tough, but it is alright to allow ourselves to probe our faith sometimes. However, in the depths of our hears, we know that God does not abandon us; that he left his comfortable place in heaven to become one of us and assure us of his friendship, his companionship, his forgiveness and love. This gut feeling, this insight and knowledge, comes from God who speaks tenderly to our hearts, like he did to Peter, the disciples, and the many other Christians before us.
REFLECT:
When you feel overwhelmed by difficulties, problems or concerns in life, make it a point to renew your own declaration of faith in Jesus. Tell him that you trust him, that you need him, that you believe him, that you will follow him. This faith in Jesus, however simple it may be expressed, is a gift from our Heavenly Father who showers his children with inspiration and assurance.
ourparishpriest 2023
