August 9, 2018

Gospel: Mt 16:13-23
After that, Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi. He asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They said, “For some of them, you are John the Baptist; for others Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” Jesus asked them, “But you, who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And now I say to you: You are Peter; and on this Rock I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. From that day, Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem; that he would suffer many things from the Jewish authorities, the chief priests and the teachers of the law; and that he would be killed and be raised on the third day. Then Peter took him aside and began to reproach him, “Never, Lord! No, this must never happen to you!” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path. You are thinking not as God does, but as people do.”

Reflections
Who do you say I am? Peter recognized Jesus as Messiah; however, the Messiah the Jews longed for was a mighty military king who faithfully served God and protected Israel’s sovereignty. He could not fathom the messiahship of Jesus which included suffering as a consequence of fidelity to his mission or Jesus’ brand of leadership which was expressed in moral authority and humble service. What is our notion of Jesus as messiah? What do we expect of him? Can we allow him to challenge us as he did Peter? Can we follow his example of faithfulness to God and humble service to others?

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018