Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 22, 2024

Date:   Feast of the Chair of St. Peter/Thursday of the 1st Week of Lent

Scripture Text:  Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so, I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today recounts Jesus’ questioning of the apostles as to his true identity and nature. Simon’s response that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” prompted Jesus to give Simon a new name (common after an epiphany such as Jacob/Israel or Abram/Abraham). And on this occasion, Jesus also gave to Peter the “keys to the kingdom of heaven,” naming him head of the Church that would bear Christ’s name and presence.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

 Who do I say Jesus is?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us as our brother, as son of Mary, to reveal You to us and to teach us through word and example. And when the appointed time came, He accepted your will that He offer his life for ours and for our salvation to be victorious over sin and death. Send your Spirit to tenderize our minds and hearts so that we might fully embrace this unfathomable love You and the Son have for us. Grant that the Spirit may strengthen our resolve to live as You created us to live and as Christ calls us to live. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and deepen our love as we humbly seek life in You, with You and through You. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.