Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Mt 16: 13-19
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
So much of who we say Jesus is depends on our personal relationship with him which depends on how much time we spend with him. Like any relationship, the time you spend together is essential to building trust and, in this case, establishing trust and faith. We as believers know in our minds that Jesus is faithful and trustworthy, but do we spend enough time with him daily to know it in our hearts? Do we read his word daily and ask for his guidance in our day to day affairs or do we go off on our own to face the challenges of the world, then turn to him when things don’t go our way? Who do you say Jesus is? Is he your Lord and savior, your brother, your friend, or is he the lover of your soul? Who do you say Jesus is?
—Terresa Ford is a recent graduate of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and holds an M.Div. She is a resident Spiritual Health Worker at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, and a Spiritual Direction resident at the Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center.
Prayer
Lord and redeemer, you call us friend. Thank you for the gift of your friendship, your steadfast love, and your unwavering faithfulness. Guide our steps daily and give us what we need to persevere and do your Holy will. In your precious and sacred name, we pray. Amen.
—Terresa Ford