Lenten Moments of Mercy: Monday of the Second Week of Lent

Monday of the Second Week of Lent Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, the Apostle   During the season of Lent, we reflect on the question, “Who is Jesus for us?”

Scripture “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’” Matthew 16:13   Reflection In the Gospel reading Jesus has come to the district of Caesarea Philippi, a Greek city filled with shrines to pagan idols. Surrounded by these images of false gods, Jesus asks his disciples who they think the Son of Man is. Speaking for all the disciples Simon Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus blesses Simon Peter for his response, naming him “Cephas,” the word for “rock,” and telling him that upon this rock he would build his Church. The gates of hell would not prevail against it. Reflecting on this story Pope Francis asks, how would we respond to the question who is Jesus for us? He notes that we learn and study about Jesus in the Catechism, but this head knowledge in itself is not enough. How can we answer this question in our hearts? In order to truly know Jesus, we have to travel the way that Peter continued to travel, one made especially difficult when Jesus made it clear that his way was the Way of the Cross. (Matthew16:21‒23) Pope Francis notes that what happened in a unique way with Peter also happens to every Christian who develops a sincere faith in Jesus Christ. Do we let Jesus speak to our heart? Is our heart like a rock, or like sand that is doubtful, diffident, or disbelieving? When Jesus finds a heart with sincere, genuine faith, he sees a living stone on which to build the Church.

Pope Francis “Peter is the rock, the visible foundation of the Church’s unity; but every baptized person is called to offer Jesus his or her lowly but sincere faith.” Angelus, 24 August 2014   Lenten Action ► Pray with the Stations of the Cross. ► Read more about St. Peter in an excerpt from Saint Peter by Stephen Binz.   Prayer Lord Jesus, let us love you with a sincere heart so we may dwell in your house our whole life long.

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