You Are The Messiah!

The solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul invites us to rediscover our missionary calling to bring Christ to people. Peter and Paul might seem like an unusual duo sharing the same feast day. Peter, a fisherman, was the first to respond to Jesus’ call, while Paul, a Pharisee and persecutor of Christians, was later called to be an apostle. However, both experienced a change of heart and a significant conversion.

Simon loved Jesus very much, but in a moment of weakness, he denied the Master three times. Yet, he was chosen to be the leader of the apostles. Likewise, Saul, who once tried to destroy Christ’s followers, was chosen to become Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples two questions: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and “Who do you say that I am?” The initial question elicited straightforward responses: the audience considered him a notable historical figure, whether John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the ancient prophets.

Peter’s response to the second question was his profession of faith in the Lord: “You are the Messiah!” Jesus recognized Peter’s firm faith, comparing it to the strength of stones used in construction. In Aramaic, “Cephas” refers to building stones. Jesus would use the disciples’ faith as stones to build his Church. And the solid and immovable rock upon which this Church is built is Christ himself.

The apostles receive the keys and the authority to bind and loosen. The rabbis used the analogy of the “keys” to refer to the authority the scribes and teachers of the Law had to interpret the Torah. Jesus now empowers Peter and the apostles to decipher the Scriptures. They are now tasked with revealing the true face of God to humanity through the Scriptures. Jesus entrusts Peter with the responsibility of opening wide the doors of the Gospel of Christ for all.

On this beautiful feast of Saints Peter and Paul, let us pray for Pope Leo XIV and for our bishops, that, like Peter and Paul, they may be good shepherds and guide us to be true missionary disciples.

May the Lord always grant you his peace!

Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM Pastor,
Mission San Luis Rey Parish