Sunday, June 29, 2014
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)
When Peter said “You are the Messiah,” he was answering a question directed to all the Apostles. But in reacting to that answer, Jesus was referring to Peter alone. For giving an answer inspired from above Jesus made Peter the rock foundation of the Church. This predilection was to be at the service of the Church where Peter was to exercise supremacy by the keys that were entrusted to him. Today, this power is exercised by the Pope who succeeds Peter. The pope’s official statements on morals are infallible. Like Peter’s answer, the Pope’s ex-cathedra pronouncements are inspired and cannot be mistaken.
We learn two lessons from this Gospel reading. The first is in regard to the necessity of a deeper knowledge of Jesus. The second is about the importance of Peter in the Church. The first lesson alerts us to the possibility of Jesus asking us the same question. Each time we make a choice between good and evil this same question crops up: “Who do you say that I am?”If Jesus to us is Son of the Living God, then our choice should be him and not the evil one.
The second lesson invites us to revisit the importance of Peter. While no religion can save, no salvation can happen outside religion. If ever atheists are saved, it is because of the work of salvation continued in the Church founded by Christ which benefits all people of goodwill. In light of this it is not wise to belittle the issue of religion. In finding the authentic one Peter is the key because he has the key that unlocks heaven. Jesus told Peter: “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.”— Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., DM. Email: dan.delosangeles@gmail.com. Website: www.frdan.org.
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