Matthew 16:13-23

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 Messiah, 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.”  Then He strictly ordered His disciples to tell no one that He was the Messiah.  From that time on, Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.

Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to You.”  He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an obstacle to Me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Reflection:

You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. St. John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, is known to have sat for hours in the confessional box, patiently hearing the confession of many people including those from outside his parish. What gave him that patient and generous spirit?

The Cure of Ars was awed and humbled by the immense mercy of God. His priesthood was “the love of the heart of Jesus.” He realized this tremendous gift of God to him and to his parishioners, and tried to live this love in his own simple way of caring for his parishioners, praying and working for their conversion. The fire in him came from having a personal relationship with Jesus.

This is the same relationship that results in Peter’s confession: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” The gift can only come from the Father. So let us ask for this gift — to know Jesus more deeply, follow Him more closely, and love Him more dearly. Only then can we call ourselves Christ-i-am!

Answer this question, “Who do you say Jesus is?”

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2010,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.,); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.