Matthew 16:13-19

1 Peter 5:1-4

Psalm 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6

Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi

he asked his disciples,

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,

still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Simon Peter said in reply,

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.

For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

And so I say to you, you are Peter,

and upon this rock I will build my Church,

and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.

Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;

and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, you know all things. You knew the hearts of those called to be your Son’s apostles. You know my heart and the path I will take in life. Guide along the path that leads to life with you.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Simon the Fisherman: Simon was originally from the town of Bethsaida and settled in the town of Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. He was a fisherman by trade. Together with his brother Andrew, Simon manifested an interest in the preaching of John the Baptist and was among the first to hear Jesus preach to the crowds. Simon did not hesitate to allow Jesus to use his boat to preach. But when Jesus asks Simon to go out into the deep waters for a catch, we see him hesitate somewhat. In the end, though, Simon follows Jesus’ word. The resulting miraculous catch of fish leads Simon to manifest his deep awareness of his sin and unworthiness to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus. In response, Jesus encourages Simon to “be not afraid” and to become a fisher of men! Simon recognized his human limitations yet believed that Jesus would empower him for such a great mission. During his short time with Jesus, Simon was enlightened by divine revelation and confessed that Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, was the Christ, the Son of the Living God! Because of this, Simon was given a new name, “Peter,” the Rock, and would become the apostolic foundation of the Church of Jesus.

2. Peter the Shepherd: In the months that passed after his confession, Peter still had to understand that Jesus, as the Christ, would have to suffer humiliation and die for the sins of the people. At first, Peter opposed this path. But he would learn over time that this was the only path to salvation and that he himself would have to follow this same path. After Jesus’ Resurrection, Peter was given a specific and important mission by the Risen Christ. On the shore of Galilee, Peter was invited to renew and deepen his love for Jesus and was given the task of caring for and nourishing the flock of the Church. The first half of the Acts of the Apostles recounts Peter’s early ministry. He led the Church and the other Apostles to appoint a successor to Judas, he preached to the Jewish people gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, he healed the sick, he raised the dead to life, he incorporated the first Gentiles into the Church, he made decisions for the Church, he went to Rome to care for the Church at the center of the Roman Empire, he wrote letters on safeguarding the Christian faith, and he ultimately gave his life for Jesus.

3. Imitating Simon Peter: We can find so much of ourselves in Simon Peter. Like Peter, we were searching for Christ. Like Peter, we recognize our sinfulness before the Lord. Like Peter, we proclaim Jesus as the Son of God, yet struggle with the path of suffering. Like Peter, we believe, but often fail. For all its ups and downs, the life of Peter does not end in tragedy, but in triumph. Simon Peter ultimately conquered because his love for Jesus triumphed in his life! Let us allow the same love of Jesus to triumph in our lives!

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you spent several years with Simon Peter and guided him with your Spirit. You knew his strengths and weaknesses. You worked with him and taught him how to shepherd your flock. You know me. Work with me as you worked with Peter. Stay with me today.

Resolution: Take a moment to contemplate the important milestones in your life. As you look back, what has brought you true joy and lasting happiness? What has been a source of sorrow and pain? How has God acted in your life? With this understanding, project how you will live the months and years ahead and attain eternal life.