Daily Gospel Reflection for August 24, 2014

Today's Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

“But who do you say that I am?”

It is an important question Jesus poses. He who answers correctly will be handed the keys to God’s kingdom. So, who was the inspired one?

Peter! Really, Lord? Peter? Why not Nathaniel in whom you found no guile? Or John, the apostle whom Jesus so loved? Or even Matthew, who as a tax collector, must have been a pretty smart guy.

Yet you chose to reveal Jesus as Your Son and our Savior to Peter, the impetuous fisherman who confessed himself to be a great sinner, who often spoke without thinking first, and who You knew would, despite any good intentions, deny even knowing Jesus in His darkest hour. To him You chose to give the keys to the kingdom. 

No doubt even Peter must have felt inadequate for such an important job. Thus, Jesus assures him that “the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.” What relief these words must have given Peter. What a blessed assurance they give us! 

We have been blest this past century with holy successors to Peter. Nonetheless, in history or in the future, when the keys are in the hands of men who do not seem worthy, we have the confident reassurance of the guidance of the Holy Spirit who will not let the leader of the Church err in teachings of faith or morals, no matter what other short comings the pope may have. What confidence we have because of Jesus!

What hope we have because of Peter! God was able to use him despite his shortcomings. That’s because Peter allowed the Holy Spirit to work through him. If we accept our mission from Jesus and open ourselves to the Spirit, then we, too, can do great things for our families, our community, our Church, our God.

Ponder:

Jesus still asks us today: Who do you say I am? Who is He to you? How will you let him use you?

Pray:

Jesus, you are everything to me. Please continue to reveal yourself to me. Help me to live according to my vocation as your follower and the daughter of your Heavenly Father through the grace of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Copyright 2014 Kelly Guest