1 Pt 5:1-4 Ps 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6 Mt 16:13-19

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

The words of Jesus in this gospel were important in the beginning of the church and continue to impact it today. "[Y]ou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church…" These words have impacted the Church for centuries. They helped define church hierarchy, specifically the Pope. Jesus' statement, " Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” helped generate the sacrament of confession which was later reaffirmed with "Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained". Finally, Jesus' words, "I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven" helped bring about the tradition of Peter keeper of the gate to heaven. This passage brings together the past foundations of the church, present call to act as Christians, and future prospects of eternal salvation.

We are called like Peter to be witnesses to the Gospel and to Christ, the Son of the Living God. Peter is the rock on whom Jesus laid the foundation for the Church. He continues to build it through its members, through us. We are all here for a reason. God has a purpose for each and every one of us. Each person tends to a different, equally important flock. We are called to be faithful servants to God and do so without expecting reward or recognition. There will be times when we encounter similar questions as the one Peter answered so faithfully, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” or Did the Son of Man ever exist? We must respond in the same manner as witnesses, Jesus is "the Son of the living God". We must make this apparent in our words and in our actions. In living as witnesses we will become the type of people who will know and love God. As a result, Peter will unlock the gates of heaven so we can receive the "unfading crown of glory."