Daily Reflection

My Life for Christ

February 22, 2021 | Monday

Amanda Peters

  • Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
  • 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 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.”

    Opening Prayer: Lord, open my heart and my eyes so that I may see and follow you. Help me to recognize your presence in my life and in the Church.

    Encountering Christ:

    1. Who Am I?: Christ asked the Apostles a simple question, truly the most important question of every person’s life: “Who do people say that I am?” As professed Catholics, we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Acknowledging Christ’s identity also requires that we acknowledge our true heritage as children of the Father. Everyone who believes these words strives to live holy and heroic lives. We are blessed with many examples throughout Church history—saints who lived and died for Christ. 

    2. Christ Is Stronger: What a promise Christ made here! What hope we should have. knowing that hell cannot win against Christ’s Church! Despite what may happen in the world around us, we set our eyes and our hearts on heaven and recognize that no evil can overcome the destiny that Christ lays before us. Christ tells us throughout the Gospels that we should not fear, so we must heed his words: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

    3. Our Earthly Treasures: Christ makes a clear connection between our earthly lives and our eternal ones. If we desperately cling to earthly things, we bind ourselves to this world. Yet the opposite is also true. If we do everything to honor God while here, then what would God withhold from us when we reach heaven? Our eternal salvation is a great gift. It is a “pearl of great value.” Are we like the merchant who “went and sold all that he had and bought” the pearl? (Matthew 13:45-46). Or is there some aspect of our earthly life that we cling to? Do we surrender our time? Our worries? Our talents? Each surrender to God can be a way of letting him use our earthly lives for his eternal glory.

    Conversing with Christ: Jesus, sometimes I can get so caught by life’s circumstances that I forget why I am here. Help me to keep my eyes on you so that joy, hope, and faith will always prevail in the depths of my heart despite the tumultuousness of this earthly life. You are my king! I surrender myself to you!

    Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will offer up the best and the worst part of my day as a sacrifice of praise.

    For Further Reflection: Interior Freedom, by Father Jacques Philippe.

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