Saint John XXIII by Ermes Dovico

GOSPEL PEARLS

He who listens 

Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah (Mt 16:17) 

Gospel Pearls 22_02_2020

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.” (Mt 16:13-19)

In the case of the apostle Simon, which means "he who listens", there is the assumption of obedience. St. Peter and his successors are also called to listen to the Word, like Simon and to obey the will of God in order to teach it authoritatively to the flock entrusted to them. They must also be like a rock, as Peter was, refusing to adapt to the mentality of this world, but on the contrary, confirm others in the Truth that is immutable. Let’s never forget therefore to pray for the bishops and in particular for our priests.