On this rock I will build my church ….

We celebrate the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul on June 29. When you read the Gospel for the Mass to celebrate their faith in context, you will be reminded of the stark contrast between the faith of friends (“no greater love ….) and the lack of faith of those who rejected Jesus as the Son of God. 

When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his followers, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

They answered, “Some say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah, and still others say you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Then Jesus asked them, “And who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus answered, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because no person taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am. So I tell you, you are Peter. On this rock I will build my church, and the power of death will not be able to defeat it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; the things you don’t allow on earth will be the things that God does not allow, and the things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows.” (Matthew 16:13-19 – New Century Version)

SEE 

• Describe what is happening in this scene. Use a copy of the Gospel of Matthew and read Chapter 16 to determine the context for this event. Are you more like the Pharisees and Sadducees? Or are you more like the apostles? 

• Why does Jesus appoint Peter, a hothead and an uneducated fisherman  to be the head of his Church? Did Jesus make a mistake? What has happened since then because of this event that vindicates his decision? 

• How have you and others you know been affected by this event?

JUDGE 

• What do you think about this event? What is significant about it for you? 

• What does your faith tell you about how to view what happens in this Gospel story?

• Ideally, what should have happened in the world because of this event?

ACT

• What is there that you would like to see happen in the world because of this event in the Gospel? 

• What action can you take this week to help the Church carry out its mission?

• Who else could you involve in your action and how could they be involved?

Author: Pat Branson

Image:

Sts Peter and Paul Church Mechkul Saint Barbara and Saint Paraskevi Wall Painting / Picryl