They said, “For some of them, you are John the Baptist; for others Elijah, or Jeremiah, or
one of the prophets.” Jesus asked them, “But you, who do you say I am?” Peter answered,
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed
this to you, but my Father in heaven. And now I say to you: You are Peter; and on this Rock
I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it. I will give you the
keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven.” Then he ordered his
disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

READ: In the first reading, Isaiah speaks of the faithful leadership that God
will give his people, installing a ruler who will act with justice. Paul reminds
the Romans that God is beyond our understanding. God is the source of
all that is good. He calls us to be with him forever. In the Gospel, Jesus
elicits Peter’s great statement of faith, proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.

REFLECT: Who do you say that Jesus is? How do we think about our
relationship with Jesus? Some people see Jesus as a just judge, others as
a wise teacher. Some people hope to find a great ruler, others a gentle
shepherd. Some are drawn to his miracles, others to his gentleness and
compassion. Jesus is all these things and more. He is God-with-us, who
through his death and Resurrection destroyed the bonds of death forever
and opened the gates of heaven. Jesus’ loving care for us is beyond our
imagination and understanding. We are called to stay close to him,
drawing nearer every day until at last we see him face to face.

PRAY: Lord, open my mind and heart so that I may know you better.

ACT: Spend some time in silent prayer before Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023