In this section of the gospel of Matthew, Christ puts forth a very fundamental question, that is simple yet really deep.
This passage is really relevant to our world today. As we look at these lines, we see disciples giving a spectrum of differing answers about the perception of Christ, that is also the case in today's world. What is the image of Christ in today's world? Is he a fortune provider, just a idol to worship in a ritual, a saviour, a friend? I guess we all have differing perception of the Christ. This perception of Christ would form a foundation for our faith journey. If our perception of Christ is one of fear, our faith would also be one of fear. If it is just a idol, our faith would be driven by visuals and liturgical action. If its a friend, it would indeed be an intimate one.
Of course, some might not even have an idea of who Christ is. If that is the case, growth in the faith might be affected. Our human instincts are driven by feelings, if there is no relationship or feeling, we will not be bothered to commit in something.
But do we just leave people hanging in the air like that? Later in this passage, Jesus told Peter-- You are Peter and on this rock I would build my church. We might think that this statement is only targetted to Peter and is of no relevance to us. However, take note that Peter represents the Church-- US, hence we are all rocks and foundations of the church, we are to be involved in the building of the church. The Vatican II doctrines teach that the laity share in the ministerial priesthood.
Having that in mind, we are called to bring more to salvation, to build the church allowing her to grow for the betterment of souls and to give glory to God. Are we going forth to fulfill our mission, are we spirit-filled, or are we ashamed of being Catholics, hiding our identity because we want to fit with the majority? Hence, today we pray for discernment of our mission, we pray that God uses our gifts to build his church, to be firm rocks grounded in faith and that the Church be one with vibrancy, with spirit-filled members and that more would be aware of their call and spread salvation to people around them.
Today, the church celebrates the memorial of St. Clement I, pope and martyr. May we be inspired by his strong faith and become active preachers of the word and partake in the minisrty of the church.
All powerful and ever living God, we praise your power and glory revealed to us by the lives of all your saints. Give us joy and peace on this feast of St. Clement, your priest and martyr, who bore witness with his blood to the love he proclaimed and the gospel be preached. We ask this in Christ's most holy name.
AMEN!
This passage is really relevant to our world today. As we look at these lines, we see disciples giving a spectrum of differing answers about the perception of Christ, that is also the case in today's world. What is the image of Christ in today's world? Is he a fortune provider, just a idol to worship in a ritual, a saviour, a friend? I guess we all have differing perception of the Christ. This perception of Christ would form a foundation for our faith journey. If our perception of Christ is one of fear, our faith would also be one of fear. If it is just a idol, our faith would be driven by visuals and liturgical action. If its a friend, it would indeed be an intimate one.
Of course, some might not even have an idea of who Christ is. If that is the case, growth in the faith might be affected. Our human instincts are driven by feelings, if there is no relationship or feeling, we will not be bothered to commit in something.
But do we just leave people hanging in the air like that? Later in this passage, Jesus told Peter-- You are Peter and on this rock I would build my church. We might think that this statement is only targetted to Peter and is of no relevance to us. However, take note that Peter represents the Church-- US, hence we are all rocks and foundations of the church, we are to be involved in the building of the church. The Vatican II doctrines teach that the laity share in the ministerial priesthood.
Having that in mind, we are called to bring more to salvation, to build the church allowing her to grow for the betterment of souls and to give glory to God. Are we going forth to fulfill our mission, are we spirit-filled, or are we ashamed of being Catholics, hiding our identity because we want to fit with the majority? Hence, today we pray for discernment of our mission, we pray that God uses our gifts to build his church, to be firm rocks grounded in faith and that the Church be one with vibrancy, with spirit-filled members and that more would be aware of their call and spread salvation to people around them.
Today, the church celebrates the memorial of St. Clement I, pope and martyr. May we be inspired by his strong faith and become active preachers of the word and partake in the minisrty of the church.
All powerful and ever living God, we praise your power and glory revealed to us by the lives of all your saints. Give us joy and peace on this feast of St. Clement, your priest and martyr, who bore witness with his blood to the love he proclaimed and the gospel be preached. We ask this in Christ's most holy name.
AMEN!
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