Jesus’ Life: Chapter 9 – The Way To The Cross
The disciples spent much of their time listening to Jesus teach and preach. They also watched him perform numerous miracles including, raising the dead back to life.
When Jesus asked the disciples who the people said he was, their answers ranged from the Prophet Elijah to a reincarnated John the Baptist.
When Jesus asked the disciples, who they thought He was, Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Jesus said, “Blessed are you, Simon. My heavenly Father has revealed this to you. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my Church”.
Jesus said to Simon Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven”.
Jesus then instructed all the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ and added, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised”. (Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30, Luke 9:18-21, John 6:67-71)
Thought
The role that Simon Peter held has now been passed to Pope Francis. He humbly asks us to pray for him.
Reflection
Almighty God, look kindly on your servant Pope Francis;
You chose him to shepherd Your flock.
Guide and protect him in his daily work;
inspire him in Your ways.
Prayer: Priests and Religious
St Paul, guide all priests and religious.
Help them realise that their actions
speak louder than any words.
Teach them to use their talents
to convey God’s message
but, to rely above all,
on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
