Commentary on the Gospel of

Fr. Johnson Joseph Thurackal CMF

People say that Jesus is John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, and one of the Prophets. They are free to believe whatever they want about Jesus, but Jesus wants his disciples to know correctly who he is so that they can be fully prepared to carry on his mission. On behalf of all the disciples, Peter spoke up: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” Peter’s answer points to the person of Jesus as the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Old Testament and that in Jesus there is the complete revelation of the Father for us.

This profession of faith along with the others, “Truly You are the Son of God!” (Mt 14:33) and Martha’s similar profession “You are the Christ, the Son of God who has come into the world” (Jn 11:27), makes Peter blessed in Jesus’ sight. This revelation is not the fruit of any human effort, but rather it is a gift which God grants to whom He wants. Peter was in God’s thoughts and that why Jesus pronounced him blessed. God’s revelation and blessedness transforms Peter into a rock. His weakness as a human person and his wrong understanding of Messianic Jesus are also transformed as he assumes the role of leadership to his community.

The experience of Peter is a reminder for all those who guide or lead a community. They have “to follow” Jesus and not place themselves as an obstacle in front of Him as Peter wanted to do.  They are called to be a rock of constant support and guide to those entrusted to their care. It is on the rock of faith in the Lord and one another, Jesus continues to build his communities even today.

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