Today's Gospel: Luke 9:18-22
"You are the Messiah."
Peter recognized that Jesus was not a mere prophet or just a wise man. He was the One promised throughout all of Old Testament history. He would provide the Way, the Truth, and Eternal Life. He was God made Flesh.
How ironic, then, that it was Peter who, other than Judas Iscariot, was guilty of the worst sin against Jesus. He denied even knowing Jesus at all.
How could Peter testify to Jesus and fellow apostles that Jesus is the Christ, and then shortly after, deny all knowledge of Him?
Because Peter is so like us, isn't he? We can talk a good line about Jesus if we are in the right company - perhaps at Church, with like-minded friends, or speaking to clergy or religious. But then get us in front of a hostile audience, folks that might ridicule us, roll their eyes, exclude us, or worse. Do we forget that we even know Him? I know I have on many occasions.
Jesus doesn't ask us to stand on the street corner and shout. We don't need to join the monastery (although there are days when that sounds like a great idea!). He wants us to proclaim Him in our everyday actions, words, and throughout the torn fabric of our lives. He loves our messy days and crazy nights, and all of the turmoil of keeping our families going. He wants to share our yoke, carry our burdens, hold us close when we are at the end of our ropes.
Let Him in, and tell everyone that He's with you. And you are with Him. "Yeah, I know Jesus, and wow, is He awesome. You want to know how?"
Fear not!
Copyright 2018 Cynthia Millen Cynthia and her husband Jim were blessed to have five kids in four years (2 sets of twins), and are looking forward to grandchild number 3. Her love for reading and writing grew into the publication of several children's books (under the name C. M. Millen), poems, short stories, and a short book about the Natural Law. She enjoys growing things in her garden, knitting, the teaching (and learning) from the students at Christ the King School in Toledo, Ohio, and attending Mass there with marvelous parishioners and priests. She also writes for Catholic Stand. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required
Ponder:
Do I say one thing about Jesus to one group of people, and then say something totally different to a different group? Why am I so afraid to tell the truth?Pray:
Dear Jesus, I know You are always there for me. Please give me the courage to be proud of You and all that You do for me.Copyright 2018 Cynthia Millen Cynthia and her husband Jim were blessed to have five kids in four years (2 sets of twins), and are looking forward to grandchild number 3. Her love for reading and writing grew into the publication of several children's books (under the name C. M. Millen), poems, short stories, and a short book about the Natural Law. She enjoys growing things in her garden, knitting, the teaching (and learning) from the students at Christ the King School in Toledo, Ohio, and attending Mass there with marvelous parishioners and priests. She also writes for Catholic Stand. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required
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