Thank you, Peter! – Reflection on Matthew 16:13-19
Jesus Christ, my savior, has held out his hand to save me from drowning in sorrow, selfishness, anger, pride, and greed. He even continued to welcome me while I questioned divinity’s existence during a brief period of internal turmoil. I have become deeply in love with God. My relationship with God would not have been possible without the rock of my church community. When I walk through those metaphorical doors, God silently waits to embrace me, rescue me from my sins, nourish me, and confirm that my humanity mingles with divinity. Thank you, Peter!
The Primacy of Saint Peter, by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 16:13-19 – Scripture*
Peter’s Declaration about Jesus
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 16:13-19 Reflection – Thank you, Peter!
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 16 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
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