August 24, 2008

"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." --- Constitution of UNESCO

"Who do you say that I am?" was Jesus' question to the disciples. Others had been saying who Jesus was, but it was important to Jesus that he knew what the disciples believed. It's also Jesus' question to us. The strength of our faith will relate directly to how we answer Jesus' question. It doesn't matter so much how other people answer. Each person has to think about it and decide what he/she believes.

Peter is so human. Sometimes he believed and sometimes he doubted. But he always came back to Jesus. Even after saying Jesus was the Messiah in this week's gospel, the time will come in the courtyard when he is asked if he knows Jesus. Peter will deny him three times. But he will go back, receive Jesus' forgiveness and become a leader of the early church. Forgiveness is central to the Christian life because we are all human and make mistakes. The important thing is that we do not despair as Judas did but return to Jesus, be forgiven and continue our journeys.

The commission Jesus gave Peter in this chapter of Matthew's gospel will be given to the whole church in Ch. 18. We are all to forgive and be forgiven so we can be a community of faith in Jesus and empowered to be of service to our brother and sisters.