Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: Our readings today especially our Gospel take us in a number of directions. I have always liked this scene in Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus and his disciples making their way to Caesarea Philippi, talking as they go about life, about the tings of the world, just enjoying one another company. Then Jesus ask, “Who to people say that I am?” Perhaps in other words, “What are people saying about me?” A very human concern. Haven’t we all been where Jesus is in the Gospel today? Haven’t we at some point in time wonder what people are saying about us?
 
Now scripture scholars say that this is not Jesus’ intent in asking the questions in our Gospel today, however for me when I hear this passage what I have mentioned above is the first thing I think of. I feel that this passage connects me in a human way with Jesus. I feel a kinship with him.
 
Jesus goes on not only wanting to know what others think but he wants to know what his closest friends think. It is here that Peter once again comes through, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” For me Peter this the quintessential human being. He can make the most profound statements and the most bone headed ones. He can be right on at time while other times he only seems to be thinking of himself. We have all been Peter at times in our life both in the faith filled moments and the bone headed ones!
 
The hope of our reading today is that even though we don’t know the mind of God, God is still willing to call us all to be rocks in the foundation of the community of faith called Church. We can embrace a moment of faith like Peter today or we can stumble in a moment of lack of faith like Peter at other times in his relationship with Jesus yet God is still open to inviting us into the Kingdom. God still wants to build with us as a foundation stone. “For who has known the mind of the Lord...” It is certainly a mystery but a hope filled one!
 
Have a great Sunday everyone and don’t forget to give God a little time today!