Friends,
today’s Gospel reports Peter’s confession of faith in the midst of the
disciples, when Jesus asks that strange question: “Who do people say that I am?”
What he gets by way of response is, first, a public opinion survey:
John
the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.
Then
Jesus turns to those closest to him, and he asks them, “But
who do you say that I am?” They are silent, afraid, unwilling, unable to speak.
Finally it is Peter who speaks: “You
are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
And he gets it right. Does he get it right because he is the most intelligent?
Please. Because he is holy and close to Jesus? Please. We know the whole story
of Peter’s weakness, betrayal, stupidity.
It
is the Father who has given Peter this insight—not Peter’s clever mind or
searching heart. It is a supernatural gift, a special charism. And it is upon
this inspired confession that the Church is
built.
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