TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
22 FEBRUARY, 2025
Matthew 16:13-19
When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds with a powerful declaration: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus blesses Peter, affirming that this revelation came from God, and He establishes Peter as the rock upon which He will build His Church. This moment highlights the importance of faith and divine revelation in recognizing Jesus’ true identity. It also reminds us that the Church stands firm, with Christ as its foundation, and that He entrusts us with spiritual authority and responsibility.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your Son to us. Help us to recognize Jesus as the Christ and to stand firm in faith. Strengthen us to live out our calling as members of Your Church, trusting in Your guidance and power. May we boldly proclaim Your truth and walk in the authority and grace You have given us. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen
