Saturday, June 29, 2013
Peter and Paul, Apostles
1st Reading: Acts 12:1-1
2nd Reading: 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-18
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi. He asked his disciples, “What do people say of the Son of Man? Who do they say I am?” They said, “For some of them you are John the Baptist, for others Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Jesus asked them, “But you, who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed this to you but my Father in heaven.
“And now I say to you: You are Peter (or Rock) and on this rock I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it.
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven.”
D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the Assimilated Life Experience)
Peter’s answer “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” was in response to a question addressed by Jesus to all the apostles. But when Jesus commended him for his inspired answer, Jesus was dealing with Peter alone. Consequently, it was to Peter alone and not to the whole group of apostles that Jesus conferred the title of being the rock foundation of the Church. But this did not mean that Peter was to enjoy the favor alone. The favor was at the service of Christ’s Church.
Peter did not live forever and so had to pass his power on to his successor the Pope. Noteworthy is the power to bind. Peter received this when Jesus said, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven.” The Pope also exercises this power by succession. Thus, his official teachings on faith and morals are binding.
Today’s Gospel deepens our understanding of the importance of relationship with God. Moral controversies that confront us take us to Caesarea Philippi where Jesus asks “Who do you say that I am?” If our relationship with God is strong, we seek divine guidance in making our choice. But if our relationship with God is shallow, we will even ask God to look the other way so no divine eyes are watching while we choose the evil way.
Today’s Gospel message also deepens our understanding of the importance of our relationship with the Church. By following the Church’s interpretation of Jesus’ teachings, we are sure that we are not following an erroneous opinion because the Pope is protected by Peter’s power of infallibility.— Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., DM. Email:[email protected]. Website: www.frdan.org.
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