Gospel Reflection

August 09, 2012

Thursday

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Virgin and Martyr (Optional Memorial)

by Rev. Fr. Jun Sescon

Greenbelt

First Reading:               Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm:                         Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19

Gospel:                        Matthew 16:13-23         

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare'a Philip'pi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you." 23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men."

HOMILY

St, Teresa de Benedicta is a very intelligent Jew and Atheist who was converted into Catholic faith. According to Father Jun, no one is intelligent enough not to believe in God. The faithful strength and service of St. Teresa de Benedicta despite challenges ang dapat nating maging attitude in these trying times.

Father the said that like St. Peter in the Gospel who discovered who Christ really is, let us purify and discover the real image of God for us.

Who do you say God is?

The God we believe in is a God of love, a God of compassion and understanding, a God of strength and peace. Just like St. Teresa de Benedicta and St. Peter, this is how they saw God, thus they remained faithful and strong despite all difficulties.

And this, said Father Jun, is our treasure as Filipinos – our faith in God. Why do Filipinos survive? Bakit nakangiti pa din tayo kahit ang dami nating bagyo sa buhay? It is because of our image of God.

Our God is our strength. We move on with God as our refuge, our hope. This has made us strong despite the physical and moral struggles that happen to us. We pray that no law or bill, or anything remove that faith from us.

Father Jun ended with a prayer:

“Lord, help us to purify our image of you as our God of peace, our God of strength, our God of Love. Strengthen our faith, especially during these difficult times. May our belief in You propel us to help others, and that our charity may be the consolation of our brothers and sisters. Lord, you are more powerful than any on earth. Be with us always, AMEN”.

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross – Pray for us