Reflections

Monday, February 22, 2016

Jesus said to him, “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 that you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it.
(Matthew 16:17-18)

Lord, none of us could know you if you did not reveal yourself. You chose Peter to be the first to acknowledge you and the first to head your eternal Church. In his own “flesh and blood,” Peter was admittedly a sinful man. At first, he had been slow to understand. He had floundered when he tried to follow you across the water. In a short while, he would deny you. Yet you entrusted him with the faith, and you would give him the grace to uphold it.

So, too, you enable his successors. Not all have been as saintly as John 23 and John Paul 2. There have been scandals and schisms, for we are human. Still, the Church will not perish. Thank you for giving us this continuity as we struggle to apply your teachings in a world that has challenges only you could foresee. Please guide dear Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict as they seek your will for all your people.

I have so few responsibilities now, but I know you guide me in my little endeavors. If I am only one of those little ones through whom others serve you, then even that contributes to their salvation. Let me notice and be grateful for every kindness.

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