Thank you Jesus – Reflection on Matthew 16:13-23
As he did for Peter, Jesus Christ, my savior, has held out His hand to save me from slipping into a world filled with temptations. I know how drowning in sorrow, selfishness, anger, pride, and greed feels. I have even briefly denied God’s existence, yet for the last four decades, I have been deeply in love with the Trinity. Being raised above the din of worldliness would not have been possible without the rock of my church community. Walking through those metaphorical doors, I feel humanity mingle with divinity, resulting in the desire to lead, follow, or serve others. I have also learned that I am not the only one who has been through this process. Thank you Jesus, for all you have done for me, others, and communities of faith that believe in your promises.
The Primacy of Saint Peter by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 16:13-23 – 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.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 16:13-23 Reflection – Thank you Jesus.
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 your 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 experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage in Matthew 16.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Thank you Jesus
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.