Like Jesus, Like Peter

Daily Manna sharing for June 29, 2014

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Reflection:

 

Who is St. Peter?
We often hear these famous names derived from St. Peter which meant “rock”. Some of the common names were Peter, Pedro, Pete, Petra, Cephas, Simon Peter etc. Peter was the first pope of the Catholic Church to which God entrusted the keys of heaven. Before Peter met Jesus he was a fisherman. He was the first disciple because the moment Jesus called the fishermen they immediately left their nets to come and follow Him. Jesus wanted them to become “fishers of men” and to proclaim the good news to the people. Peter loved Jesus and his life changed because of that love for the Messiah.
 

What do we remember about Peter?

He was one of the disciples to witness the miracle of casting their nets and catching a lot of fish. We remember him as the one who walked on water with Jesus but because of his doubt and little faith, he slowly sink and Jesus lifted him up. Peter has witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. We remember him during the Last supper when Jesus washed their feet and he wanted to be washed all over his body. We remember Peter as the one who protected his master when He cut off the ear of the soldier when they were in Gethsemane before Jesus surrendered to the high priests. We remember him who denied Jesus three times. Peter was also the one who entered the tomb during the third day after Jesus’ death. Peter became the alter Christus of their time after Jesus ascended in Heaven. He continued Jesus’ mission.

Why Peter?

Among his disciples, Jesus would have chosen anybody but why Peter? It makes me think and wonder why. He could have chosen John the beloved disciple or Matthew the former tax collector. And yet He picked Peter the fisherman because Jesus loved him. Peter with his love, passion, determination and faith lived his life doing the mission that was entrusted to Him. Even if it meant him to be martyred still he chose the difficult path ahead of him. He tried escaping but he knew he had to face being crucified the opposite way as to what His master had experience for he knew he wasn’t worthy to be crucified the same as Jesus did. True indeed that Jesus was never wrong as to why He chose Peter and look at to where the Catholic faith and church has spread now?

 Like Jesus, Like Peter

Jesus taught us on how we should live our life and we are like Peter because we are the rock wherein Jesus has built the church. We are the church because we are the Alter Christus of this new generation. Like Peter, we are sinful and unworthy yet we were called by God for a purpose. Jesus was not joking when He picked us and He didn’t call the qualified because like Peter, He qualified him to become the Pope that will lead His church. Like Peter there are times we doubt, we lose hope, we make mistakes, we tend to be afraid and we deny Jesus not just three times but several times. Like Peter we are also strong, dedicated, faithful, driven, empowered and full of love. Becoming like Jesus and following Him is a difficult choice but a life changing experience. Let us strive to become like Jesus, like Peter and nurtured by Mary so that we can become effective witnesses and proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth.

Happy Feast day to St. Peter and St. Paul.
The 2 Pillars of the Catholic Church
June 29, 2014

Deo Gloria! May God be praised!

#iamBBM