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Vocation Meditation - June 29
Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul
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.
The Church was established by Christ by the depth and power of His love for the Father and for the world. It was built around the events that Christ lived culminating in His Paschal Mystery! He spoke and did wonders to prepare the groundwork of this vehicle of Salvation. Gradually yet consistently Jesus professed the totality of God's gift of salvation to all before His disciples. They were to be His witnesses, His circle of friends, dispensers of the grace of redemption, future leaders of His Church. To begin with, Jesus demanded their own profession of faith in Him. "Who do you say I am?" For answers, they searched from their knowledge of Scriptures and their experiences. Their response was quick but incomplete, hinged mostly on what others say of Jesus! Simon-Peter's profession of faith was entirely different. Moved by the Spirit, he declared his personal knowledge and relationship with Christ. It was a profession of faith solid as rock! And Jesus loved it. Hence, Peter's primacy in the Church was sealed. With St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, both are worth our adherence to their teachings and celebration!
Vocation Challenge:
"You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."
"For me, to live is Christ." Phil. 1:21
What can nourish my faith and relationship with Christ to keep them daily, solid as rock?
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.