Dear parishioners & visitors,

In our Gospel today, Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” And Peter replied: “You are the Christ.” Peter declares, “Jesus is the Christ” and this is the key to understanding Jesus in the mission of our Lord and the mission for us as today’s disciples. In this dramatic moment with Jesus, the disciples identify Jesus with the greatest men of their history – Elijah, John the Baptist, and the prophets. But it is only Peter, however, speaking on behalf of all of them, who correctly identifies Jesus as Christ and as the Son of God. A change has happened in Peter; the result of his union with Jesus, which is truly the work of God. God has revealed something to Peter’s heart and soul about His Son. For this reason, Peter later becomes the “rock” upon which Christ builds his Church. He becomes the “touchstone” of the apostles’ proclamation of Christ.

Saint Pope John Paul II wrote, “The only authentically Christian attitude can be expressed as: I make an effort and do as much as I can.” Peter and the Apostles would go forth carrying on Jesus’ mission. May we make an effort and do as much as we can in continuing Jesus’ mission today.

Yours in Christ,

Father Dan