Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 22, 2025

Date: Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

Scripture Text: Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.

For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today recounts Jesus’ questioning of the disciples about His identity. We hear Peter’s response and Jesus’ naming of Peter as “rock” (Petra) upon which Christ’s church will be built. Jesus’ words point to the person of Peter but also to the foundational rock of the Church – that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Whom do I say Jesus is? Does it change from day to day? Is my faith in Christ solid as a rock?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son as our brother and redeemer. He revealed your great love for us and your desire that we have life and have it in abundance. He gave His life so that we might have life. Send your Spirit to illuminate our minds and to open our hearts so that we might more perfectly love Christ, your beloved Son, our Savior, and proclaim the good news through our words and actions. Grant that our faith will be solid as a rock. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.