I would like to continue my reflections on St. Peter as the model of Christian discipleship. One of the highpoints in the ministry of Jesus in the profession of faith that Peter makes when Jesus asks his disciples this question: “Who do men say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13-20).
The others hem and haw, suggesting that people are saying that Jesus is John the Baptist or one of the prophets come back to life. Jesus quickly cuts through all that with a sharply pointed and very personal question directed at each of them: “But who do you say that I am?” Jesus wants to know what those closest to him think of him. So much depends on getting his personal identity right. That will enable them to hear his good news in such a way that it changes their lives completely and, ultimately, totally transforms their world.
This is Peter’s moment. He blurts out: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!”
This moment is still early in the ministry of Jesus. Even his closest disciples are not quite sure what to make of him at this point.
Only one is.
Peter.
And we know how Peter’s response deeply pleases Jesus: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”
From that moment on, Jesus gives Peter a nickname: “Rock,” promising to build his Church precisely and only on that Rock.
Peter was able to see in the carpenter from Nazareth the long-awaited Messiah, the Christ. The Father’s grace had touched that simple fisherman’s heart so deeply that it enabled him to see, against all odds, the face of the Living God on the face of Jesus, a carpenter from Nazareth.
It is Peter’s personal and life-changing faith in the person, identity, and mission of Jesus that completely transforms his life and, ultimately, the life of the world.
In one brief moment, on a tiny and dusty road on planet earth, the world was completely turned around and began heading in a brand-new direction.
Peter’s faith in Jesus was his alone, personal, genuine, and forever. Our faith in Jesus builds on that Rock, but like Peter’s, it too must be personal, genuine and forever. Such faith delights the heart of Jesus. And such faith saves.
God be Praised!
V. Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS
Provincial
This reflection originally appeared in DeSales Weekly, the e-newsletter of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.
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