Reading I Isaiah 22: 19-23Psalm 138
Reading II Romans 11:33-36
Gospel Matthew 16: 13-20
As I reflect on this picture of Peter, I am struck by an unusual response from him as he receives the keys, a different attitude.
Usually Peter is very spontaneous; however, this picture shows Peter almost stunned as He holds the keys. Is there any wonder that he might be surprised that he is given this responsibility after the weakness he exhibited during the Passion of Jesus?
Yet, Jesus still shows confidence in Peter. What causes Jesus to choose such a weak man? Jesus sees the deep love in the heart of Peter and the possibility of spiritual growth, once he has been humbled by his failure. Also, for Peter to be able to lead weak human beings, he needs to understand the human condition.
With beautiful sensitivity, Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to affirm his love three times, possibly to make up for the three times he denied that he knew Jesus. Jesus works with Peter to a point that Peter becomes strong enough to endure martyrdom for his faith. He became the Rock on which the Church could stand.
Jesus can work with us also, if we are open to Him. He can help us conquer our weaknesses and pride. All we need to do is to trust Him and surrender to Him. One of my favorite hymns is...
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“I Surrender All”
Text by Judson W. Van de Venter 1855-1939
Tune by Winfield S. Weeden 1847-1908
Tune by Winfield S. Weeden 1847-1908
All to Jesus I surrender, All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give Make me Savior, wholly Thine;
I will ever love and trust Him Let me feel the Holy Spirit
In His presence daily live. Truly know that Thou art Mine.
Refrain: All to Jesus I surrender,
I surrender all, I surrender all, Lord, I give myself to Thee
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, Fill me with Thy love and power,
I surrender all. Let Thy blessings fall on me.
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Today, as I gazed on the tall sunflowers in our garden, the wind began to blow them in all directions. However, they are embraced by many wires and connected to a trellis. Therefore, they survived the winds and remained whole. Just so, by putting ourselves in the embrace of Jesus, we are held sturdy no matter what kind of winds assail us. Let us praise and thank the Lord for His support and patience with Peter and with us.
Reflection: How can you remember the Presence of the Lord in times of crisis or danger?
Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...
Pedro, la roca
Al reflexionar sobre este cuadro de Pedro, me sorprende una respuesta inusual de él cuando recibe las llaves, una actitud diferente.
Por lo general, Pedro es muy espontáneo; Sin embargo, esta imagen muestra a Peter casi aturdido mientras sostiene las llaves. ¿Es de extrañar que se sorprenda de que se le dé esta responsabilidad después de la debilidad que exhibió durante la Pasión de Jesús?
Sin embargo, Jesús todavía muestra confianza en Pedro. ¿Qué hace que Jesús escoja a un hombre tan débil? Jesús ve el amor profundo en el corazón de Pedro y la posibilidad de crecimiento espiritual, una vez que ha sido humillado por su fracaso. Además, para que Pedro sea capaz de conducir a los seres humanos débiles, necesita comprender la condición humana.
Con una sensibilidad hermosa, Jesús le dio a Pedro la oportunidad de afirmar su amor tres veces, posiblemente para compensar las tres veces que negó que conoció a Jesús. Jesús trabaja con Pedro hasta el punto de que Pedro se vuelve lo suficientemente fuerte como para soportar el martirio por su fe. Él se convirtió en la Roca sobre la cual la Iglesia podía sostenerse.
Jesús puede trabajar con nosotros también, si estamos abiertos a Él. Él puede ayudarnos a conquistar nuestras debilidades y orgullo. Todo lo que necesitamos hacer es confiar en Él y entregarnos a Él. Uno de mis himnos favoritos es...
"Me rindo de todo"
Texto de Judson W. Van de Venter 1855-1939
Tune de Winfield S. Weeden 1847-1908
Todo a Jesús me rindo, Todo a Jesús me rindo,
Todo a El, yo libremente Hazme Salvador,
I will ever love and trust Him totalmente Tuyo;
Yo siempre amaré y confiaré Déjame sentir el Espíritu Santo
en Él. En verdad sabes que Tú eres Mío.
Estribillo: Todo a Jesús me rindo,
Me rindo de todo, Señor, me doy a Ti
me rindo de todo, Lléname con Tu amor y poder,
Todo a Ti, mi bendito Salvador, Que Tus bendiciones caigan
Me rindo de todo. sobre mí.
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Hoy, mientras contemplaba los altos girasoles de nuestro jardín, el viento empezó a soplarlos en todas direcciones. Sin embargo, son abrazados por muchos cables y conectados a un enrejado. Por lo tanto, sobrevivieron los vientos y permanecieron enteros. De la misma manera, al ponernos en el abrazo de Jesús, nos mantenemos firmes sin importar qué tipo de vientos nos asalten. Alabemos y agradecemos al Señor por su apoyo y paciencia con Pedro y con nosotros.
Reflexión: ¿Cómo puedes recordar la Presencia del Señor en tiempos de crisis o peligro?
Sr. Annette, your post is magnificent. I love how you focused on the mutuality of the love between Jesus and Peter. Jesus knew that Peter would grow to be the rock that he was intended to be. It is helpful to remember that many fruits come forth from our weakness. Jesus, having lived amongst us for 33 years, knows the complexities of our humanity. Peter was flawed and he was humbled and strengthened through his acknowledgement of his sins and the forgiveness of Jesus. We can all identify with Peter, and like Peter, Jesus’ love and mercy awaits us. Jesus knows our potential; life’s trials and challenges will contribute to our reaching our purpose. Author Ron Wagley writes, “God’s goal is to help you learn how to become more like Jesus Christ, and you often can do that best by going through suffering and developing a stronger character in the process.”
ReplyDeleteThe analogy of the support the sunflowers receive from the trellis and the support that we receive from the embrace of Jesus is delightful. I am familiar with those sunflowers. Sr. Norbert planted a few seeds and did not think they would even root. The sunflowers are at least 7 feet tall, having reached their peak of beauty and strength growing through a season of challenge (the weight of the flower could cause the stem to break) and support (without supportive ties and framework they would topple over). Our struggles help us to grow and become who God intends us to be, and His comforting presence and strength help us to endure.
To comment on your question, in order to remember something, we would have to have known, been exposed to, or familiar with it prior. Thus, in order to remember the Presence of the Lord in times of crisis, we would need to have been familiar with His Presence before the troubled situation occurred. I believe that this is best accomplished through daily prayer. For me, it is in quiet times of prayer that I sense the divine love that supports me. Becoming more familiar with God’s Word in Scripture is also a valuable tool. In Scripture we are assured that God is always with us. That promise is very comforting when we are facing hardship. It is helpful to develop a word, phrase or endearment that quickly takes us to a place of unwavering trust in the Lord. The message of Jesus, found in the August 17th reflection from “Jesus Calling,” instructs us: “Find me in the midst of the maelstrom…whisper My Name…you will find Strength and Peace through praying My Name.”
We can receive the peace that Jesus offers each day. Developing a loving personal relationship with Jesus is our best resource to remembering His Presence in difficult times. Through daily time in prayer with Jesus we will be able to proclaim with Peter: “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” Pat C., ASBS