Daily Gospel Reflection for June 29, 2023: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Habemus papam! We have a pope!

That is the joyful declaration made by the protodeacon of the College of Cardinals after the election of a new pope. We could also use this phrase as the subtitle for today’s Gospel passage. Jesus chooses Peter as the rock, the foundation, on which He will build His Church.

It all begins with Jesus asking His disciples who people say that He is. But of course it isn’t enough to report what other people say about Jesus. My faith can’t depend on what my spouse, pastor, or some theologian believes.

Faith is personal; it’s not something someone can profess for me. That’s why Jesus quickly follows His first question with a second, much more personal query: But who do you say that I am? This is why the English translation of the Nicene Creed that we pray at Mass was changed from “We believe” to the phrase from the original Latin: “I believe.”

Peter makes his great statement of faith, which is itself a gift from the Father. Like Peter, we can’t attribute our faith to individual astuteness or merit; God gave me the gift of faith and, with the help of His grace, I responded. Faith is a supernaturally-infused virtue.

Because Peter correctly identifies Jesus through the eyes of faith, Peter receives a new identity himself. Peter recognizes his life’s purpose only after he recognizes Jesus. Jesus gives him the keys to the kingdom of heaven, serving as the steward of Christ’s household until He returns again. Through the two thousand plus years since, the Catholic Church—the oldest living institution in the Western world—still stands, with Peter’s successor as the head.

Ponder:

Have I thanked God for the gift of faith? Has my faith in Jesus helped me to understand my life’s purpose?

Pray:

Lord, I pray for today’s successor of Saint Peter. Please bless our Holy Father. Protect him from all evil and guide his decisions as he leads Your holy Church.

Click to tweet:
Like Peter, we can’t attribute our faith to individual astuteness or merit; God gave me the gift of faith and, with the help of His grace, I responded. #DailyGospel

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