Mt.16-13-23

Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 Mt.16-13-23
Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and 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 Messiah, 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.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah. From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Reflection
Points of reflection in today’s Gospel.
We could be forgiven for being impatient with Peter. He often completely misjudges Jesus. Here he makes an extraordinary confession of faith in the Master. But when Jesus tells his disciples that he must suffer and be killed it is too much for Peter. And despite the sharp rebuke Peter consistently makes the same mistake; right up to the Last Supper when he refuses to allow Jesus wash his feet. He simply cannot accept that the mission of the one whom he has followed will end in failure. But Jesus’s earthly mission is one marked with humility, conflict and failure. See ourselves in Peter’s shoes and ask ourselves, Can I embrace humility, conflict and failure in my own life too? [Excerpt from sacredspace.ie]

Lasallian Guiding Principles
The Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family remind us to be in solidarity with progressive elements of the larger community to bring forth a society that is in keeping with God’s plan. As a member of a community, of the nation, and of the global village, Lasallian institutions must work in solidarity with peoples and institutions that share the conviction in denouncing and working towards the elimination of unjust practices… We are challenge to live in humility especially in times of difficulties that we face in our life. The Lasallian guiding principles challenge us that same with Jesus, we must work in harmony with people in our community and institutions. We are molded to become an advocator of our environment and preserving the integrity of life of others and denouncing the unjust practices that eliminate and destroy human life. “When you have more than you need, build a longer table not a higher wall” like what the phrase says, let us share the blessing God given to us and learn how to reach those people who are in need and lost.

ONE COMMITMENT PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
You love us all and make us your brothers and sisters.
You call us to follow you.
You invite us to announce the Good News.
Lord, grant us the courage to live our commitment.
Teach us to go beyond our borders.
Teach us to discover you in the lowliest
Teach us to see with the eyes of faith
Teach us to share our mission with all Lasallians
Throughout the whole world.
We make this prayer through the intercession of Mary,
Queen and Mother of the Christian Schools,
And through the intercession of St. John Baptist de la Salle,patron of teachers. Amen.
Our Lady of the Star, pray for us.
St. John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us.
St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop, pray for us.
St. Dominic, pray for us
Live Jesus in our hearts, Forever.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Value: Reverence for Life (Nurturing Life)
Culture Theme: We care for the environment
Productivity Theme: Material Order
Week 1: We are good stewards of this institution resources.

Sources:
https://dailygospel.org/main.php?language=AM&module=commentary&localdate=20180620
https://www.sacredspace.ie/scripture/matthew-1613-23
Guiding principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family Second Edition

Prepared by: Mr. Alex F. Camama