Friday 21 February 2014

YOU ARE PETER

PRAYER MOMENT  


Saturday 22 February 2014.


YOU ARE PETER


Pause. Be still and be in the presence of the Lord and his disciples..


Reading. “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.” (Matt 16:13-19)


Reflection. Twice in the year the Catholic Church remembers Peter in a special way. Today is one of them. In the huge church in Rome dedicated to him these words, “you are Peter …” are carved in letters six feet high around the interior of the dome. It is an assertion of a claim, yes, but it is also a reminder and a celebration of the desire of Jesus to build a community where “they will all be one.” History has dealt harshly with this aspiration but the 263rd successor of Peter, our present Papa Francis, gives us a glimpse every day of what an inspiration for the world “Peter” can be.  Some of us are bound to him in loving obedience and some are drawn to him in respectful astonishment. But whatever our stance everyone recognises deep within them the longing for relationship. When at its best the church can be an expression of this.       


Prayer. Lord, on this day we give thanks for our present Peter and all the “Peters” in our lives who call us to compassion for one another. Help us to live this love each day. Amen.

David Harold-Barry SJ





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