Peter

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Peter

Rock     Key

Act     Build     Declare

Son of Living God

Continue

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Matthew 16: 13 to 18

Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi and asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"

They said, "Some say it is John the Baptist. Others have said Elijah. Still others have thought that it would be Jeremiah or one of the other prophets."

Jesus then asked, "Who do you say that I am?"

Simon Peter said, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. Flesh and blood has not made this known to you. It is my Father in heaven. I say to you that you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and there is nothing that can prevail against it."

Reflection

The power of a rock. We always think of strength and majesty. We pile up rocks to protect us from danger.

Peter has become that rock because of the strength of his faith. He truly believes in Jesus. He has seen what Jesus can do---He has healed the sick, He has raised up those who were dead, He has calmed storms at sea, He has multiplied loaves and fishes to feed the hungry, and He has taught the people with amazing wisdom.

Peter has seen this and heard this. He knows that Jesus is different. His encounter with Jesus has made him the rock.

Peter will be given the commission along with the other apostles to continue the mission of Jesus. He will be imprisoned and beaten as he spreads the good news. Nothing will deter him.

His faith is firm.

He believes.

His faith was tested when Jesus was arrested and crucified; but he responded with an even deeper faith and told Jesus how much he loved him. 

The tradition holds that Peter asked to be crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy to be put to death in the same way that Jesus was crucified. He had become a true rock.

It was a strength that came from his relationship with Jesus. He knew Jesus well. He experienced that Love which filled his heart.

Jesus invites all of us to be those rocks. To be strong in our faith because we are Loved!

Always!

1. What do you think of when you hear the word "rock"?

2. How did Peter become a "rock" in his faith?

3. Do you feel that you are a "rock" in your faith? 

4. How have you responded when your faith has been tested?

5. What do you feel as you reflect on Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)