Regnum
Christi
August 21, 2005
Matthew 16:13-20
Jesus went 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." Then he
sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the
Messiah.
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I come to you again in
prayer. Even though I cannot see you, I know through faith that you
are present in my life. I hope in your promise to be with me. I
love you, and I know you love me. Accept this prayer as a token of
my love. Help me to know you for who you really are and understand
the spiritual truths you present to me in the Gospel.
Petition: Lord Jesus, grant me an experiential
knowledge of you.
1. Many People Say Many Things. When Jesus asks
his disciples, Who do people say the Son of Man is? he receives
many answers. Everyone has their own opinion. Perhaps they are
satisfied that their opinions are correct and so have stopped
seeking; perhaps they are too lazy to pursue the truth any deeper.
It is easy to say something, to throw out an answer, to draw a
superficial conclusion. I must be careful not to come to a hurried
conclusion or be satisfied with what might only be apparently true.
Many people say many things about Christ. I must have the tenacity
to pursue the profound truth about who he is.
2. How Did Peter Know? How did Peter know that
Christ was the Messiah, the Son of the living God? Peter does not
say, The heavenly Father told me that you are the Messiah. He is
probably not even aware that the Father has been working in him.
Peter has been traveling with Christ, hearing him speak and seeing
him work miracles. He has reflected on all this and begins to
perceive that Christ is much more than just a brilliant teacher.
Peter begins to see Christ for who he truly is. In the same way God
works in my mind and heart, helping me to see clearly the truth of
supernatural things. I may not even be aware that the heavenly
Father is present, but when I sincerely strive to know Christ and
am open to the action of Gods grace in my soul, I too come to know
Christ for who he really is.
3. Responsibility. Peters openness to the action
of Gods grace, and his recognition of Christ as God, brings with
it a responsibility Peter is given the keys of the Kingdom. He is
given the task of shepherding and building up the Church. Like
Peter my recognition of Christ comes with a responsibility. God
gives me the gift of faith and along with it a responsibility to
spread his Gospel. I must take this responsibility seriously. I
need to make sure that the good news of the kingdom is proclaimed
to all mankind.
Dialogue with Christ: Lord, you know my weakness
and the difficulties I have in prayer. Please help me to delve deep
into the truth about who you are. Help me not to be satisfied with
simply having some vague idea. I want to know you intimately the
same way St Peter and many holy saints have known you. Grant me
this grace not just for my sake but also for the sake of all those
souls with whom I will come into contact.
Resolution: I will make a special effort in prayer
to come to know Christ better.