Friends,
today’s Gospel reports Peter’s confession of faith. In the midst of his
disciples, Jesus asks that strange question: “Who do people say that I
am?” What he gets by way of response is, first, a public opinion survey:
some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the
prophets.
Then
Jesus turns to those closest to him, and he asks them, “But who do you
say that I am?” They are silent, afraid, unwilling to speak. Finally it
is Peter who says: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And
he gets it right. Does he get it right because he is the most
intelligent? Please. Because he is holy and close to Jesus? No. We know
the whole story of Peter’s weakness, which is marked by betrayal and
stupidity.
Jesus
explains why Peter got it right: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly
Father.” It couldn’t be stated more simply and directly. It is the
Father who has given Peter this insight—not Peter’s clever mind or
searching heart. It is a supernatural gift, a special charism. And it is
upon Peter and this inspired confession that the Church is built.
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