Our readings this Sunday focus on the revelations given to us by God. A reveleation from God is a gift; it is not something we can MAKE happen. Revelation is meant to come upon us through open hearts and quiet minds. Revelation is God's word coming alive within us and filling us with wisdom.
When Jesus asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that I am?" he was discerning the wisdom of the people, or the presences of God's revelation. Peter, called Simon at this time, replied "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied that "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, flesh and blood had not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father....you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,...I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven..." We are reminded that Peter is the foundation of the Church and his authority and that of the disciples will be succeeded in the Pope and Bishops. This reading should reaffirm for us that Jesus is the Christ and we should live daily as his followers and members of the Church. The giving of authority to Peter ties to the first reading wherein God passed authority to Eliakim and gave to him the key to the House of David.
The second reading on Sunday, from Romans 11:33-36 is from the letter of Saint Paul to the Romans and Paul reflects on the immense wisdom of God. In that wisdom God has given faith to both Jews and Gentiles. God's plan of salvation includes both Jews and Gentiles and through his Son, Jesus Christ, God extends salvation to all who believe.
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? Or who has given the Lord anything that he may be repaid? For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever, Amen." Romans 11:33-36
The Psalm this week is Psalm 138: Lord, Your Love Is Eternal The Psalm asks the Lord not to forsake the work of his hands; it suggests we are a “work in progress.” What can you do to make yourself more available to the Lord to make changes in you?
Jesus assures Peter and the disciples that Satan will never prevail over the church. This should give them great confidence. Do we have that same confidence? If not, how can we attain that confidence? What makes our confidence weak? How can we make it strong?
" A reveleation from God is a gift; it is not something we can MAKE happen. Revelation is meant to come upon us through open hearts and quiet minds. Revelation is God's word coming alive within us and filling us with wisdom." What revelations has God given to us personally? How can we quiet our minds and open our hearts to receive the revelations of God that will fill us with wisdom?
Does the awesome power of God described by Saint Paul in the second reading make us feel closer farther from God? If it makes us feel farther because we are afraid, we should reflect on God's greatness and ASK Him to draw us closer.
One of my favorite hymns of more recent vintage is "Our God Is An Awesome God"! In the song the awesome power of God is exalted but the deep love of that awesomeness is prevelant.
Our God is an awesome God,
He reigns from heaven above
with wisdom, power, and love;
our God is an awesome God.
Awesome God video
Have a blessed week!