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The Gospel Proclamation
... when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Fix your gaze on Jesus
God’s mysterious plan comes into being. Here, Jesus declares Peter to be the head of the Church and entrusts him to be the shepherd of the whole Christian Church. In spite of all the weaknesses Peter had, what struck most to Jesus was the Father’s revelation to Peter. Peter’s awareness of Jesus as the living Christ and the Son of the Living God. As the Son was always in communion with the Father and therefore the declaration of Peter was a manifestation that the Father has also revealed to Peter the identity of Jesus.
Prayerful Awareness
God does not see our short comings and weaknesses but our true belief and surrender. By nature Peter is quick to be upset and talks without giving proper thought to his words. Peter despised Jesus thrice for not knowing Him but repented, crying for having done so in fear. Further, Peter was not able to understand that it was by suffering and dying on the cross that Jesus would fulfil His Messianic role. Yet Jesus sees in Peter something which He does not see in others.
After the Pentecost, the disciples gained the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit. Peter was able to convert about 3,000 people from his first sermon (Acts 2:41) and bring them to their flock. The risen Lord appeared to Peter and entrusted His flock by saying thrice “Feed and take care of my sheep” (John 21/15-17). Jesus not only makes Peter only a rock but also a living rock.
Our Sonship
We are the blocks with which the Church is built. Do we act as living blocks and feel the weight of the Church by the different roles we play? Let us follow what Peter himself says in 1 Peter: 1-4 . “Now I have something to tell you elders ... Be shepherds of the flock of God that is entrusted to you: Watch over it, not simply as a duty but gladly, because God wants it, not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it.”
Prayer Starter
Thank You Father God for making each one of us special. Empower us Oh Lord like Peter and other Apostles to witness to Your Son Jesus at least in small ways to build Your Kingdom. Amen.
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