Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today, I wish to focus again on the Apostle Peter. Christ’s teachings, like all his behaviour, were difficult to accept. Many withdrew and went their separate ways. Yet, when Jesus questioned the Twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we believe … that you are the Holy One of God.”
In this way, Peter initiates the Church’s Christological confession of faith. Though incomplete, his faith was nevertheless authentic and open – not a faith in something, but in someone; in Christ. Peter was not, however, free of human weakness, and in time he too betrays the Master.
The school of faith, then, is not a triumphal march but a journey marked daily by suffering and love, trials and faithfulness. Peter knew the humiliation of denial, and for this he wept bitterly. But having learned his own nothingness, he was then ready for his mission.
That mission, made possible by our Lord’s acceptance of Peter’s fragile love and launched with the words “Follow me”, is marked with hope: notwithstanding his infidelity, Peter knows the Risen Lord is at his side. His long journey in faith, constantly open to the Spirit of Jesus, renders him a credible witness; one who knows the true joy that lies in Christ, the way of salvation!
***
I welcome all the English-speaking pilgrims present today, including the many university students. May your Easter pilgrimage be a time of deep spiritual renewal. Upon you and your families I invoke an abundance of God’s blessings of peace and joy!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment