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Readings for August 21, 2011
PETER'S WITNESS - "YOU ARE THE CHRIST..."
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
This question, which Jesus asks his disciples in today's Gospel comes after Jesus warns them to be on guard against the teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. It also comes at a time prior to Jesus prediction of his death a time when Jesus must prepare his disciples for the journey into Jerusalem.
The answers Jesus gets to this question seem obvious enough - "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Then Jesus says to them, "But who do you say that I am?" It is then that Simon Peter speaks up and says, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Simon Peter's response is clear. He gives witness to the fact that this Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus then says to Simon Peter, "flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father." What a revelation. The Father has revealed to Simon Peter that this is his Son. Everything is now clear. Simon Peter has been chosen, as the rock, the foundation on which the Church can now be built. Peter has now taken on a clearer role in this 'Jesus story'. Although the image of a rock suggests stability and endurance, we see later that Peter does not always show those characteristics.
This is, however, a turning point for Jesus and for Peter. Now Jesus can go to Jerusalem to complete his mission knowing that his life, death, and resurrection will be carried on in Peter. The clear witness of Peter, revealed to him by the Father, brings Jesus to the very brink of why the Father sent his only Son into the world.
"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 of the kingdom of heaven..."
It wasn't easy for Peter and the disciples, just as it isn't always easy for us, to accept all of what it meant to follow Jesus. Peter's testimony, his witness, is also ours. We must acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. We must follow Jesus into the Jerusalem's in our lives. We must ultimately die to sin in order to rise to newness of life. This is our life on earth, the constant journeys of faith which take us to the many different places in our life. Then, at the end of this life journey, we can attain the kingdom.
Prayer for the Week
(The Opening Prayer for the Feast of Chair of Peter, Apostle, celebrated on February 22)
All-powerful Father,
you have built your church
on the rock of St. Peter's confession of faith.
May nothing divide or weaken our unity in faith and love.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Jim Wojcik
Jim Wojcik is an Ascension parishioner and chairs the Art and Environment committee. He works at the University of Chicago.
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