Matthew 16: 13-19
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 Christ, 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."
Dawg's Thought:
Today's prayer intention - for those who are homeless during these brutal summer months.
There was significance to the proclamation of St. Peter. He did not speak this on his own, but rather it was through the Father that he made this declaration.
There was a significance to the call of St. Paul, blinded and knocked off his horse, and then restored on the third day. Christ encountered him while he was on his way to persecute more Christians.
The Father chose to inspire St. Peter, and through the inspiration, he became the first Pope. Christ chose to encounter St. Paul, and through this encounter, he preached about the Man Whom he persecuted.
We all have a unique calling given to us by Our Lord. We all have a unique way in which we can participate in the work of Christ.
Today, as we commemorate Sts. Peter and Paul, whom were martyred at the same time, let us be grateful for the Church, instituted by Christ through the revelation of The Father. Let us also be grateful for our own unique call to the Church, our Home, and in our gratitude, may be we continue to be strengthened by Our Lord, Who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Take care and God Bless.
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