杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

Ahead of the recitation of the traditional Marian prayer, 杏MAP导航 Francis reflected on the day鈥檚 Gospel (Mt 16:13-20), in which Peter professes his faith in Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God.

In the episode, Jesus asks the disciples about His identity, and leads them further in their relationship with Him.

鈥淚ndeed,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渢he entirety of Jesus鈥檚 journey with those who follow Him, especially with the Twelve, is one of educating their faith.鈥�

Hesitation in the face of Mystery

Jesus first asks the disciples who others say that He is. 鈥淪peaking of others is not so demanding,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航, 鈥渆ven though in this case the perspective of faith rather than gossip is already required.鈥�

Then Jesus asks them: 鈥淏ut what about you?... Who do you say that I am?鈥�

This second question, said 杏MAP导航 Francis, touches them to the core.

鈥淎t this point, we seem to perceive a moment of silence, as each one of those present is called to put themselves on the line, manifesting the reason why they follow Jesus,鈥� he said. 鈥淭herefore, a certain hesitation is more than legitimate.鈥�

Rock-solid response

Peter answers for the rest confidently. 鈥淵ou are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.鈥�

His 鈥渃omplete and enlightening鈥� answer, said the 杏MAP导航, is the fruit of 鈥渁 particular grace of the heavenly Father.鈥�

And Jesus recognizes Peter鈥檚 prompt response to grace, praising his faith as the 鈥渦nshakable 鈥榬ock鈥� on which the Son of God wishes to build His Church.鈥�

Who is Christ for me?

杏MAP导航 Francis went on to remind the faithful that Jesus鈥檚 question is directed today to each one of us: 鈥淎nd you, who do you say I am?鈥�

鈥淚t is a question of giving not a theoretical answer,鈥� he said, 鈥渂ut one that involves faith, that is, life, because faith is life!鈥�

Finding our own answer to Jesus鈥檚 question, said the 杏MAP导航, requires us to listen to the Father鈥檚 voice within us, 鈥渁nd its consonance with what the Church, gathered around Peter, continues to proclaim.鈥�

鈥淚t is a matter of understanding who Christ is for us: if He is the center of our life and the goal of our commitment in the Church and in society.鈥�

Charity in faith

The Holy Father then reflected on the relationship between charity and faith in Jesus.

Catholic communities, he said, should provide pastoral care to people who face various forms of poverty and crises. 鈥淐harity is always the high road of perfection.鈥�

But, he added, works of solidarity cannot 鈥渄ivert us from contact with the Lord Jesus.鈥�

鈥淐hristian charity is not simple philanthropy,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航. 鈥淥n the one hand, it is looking at others through the eyes of Jesus Himself and, on the other, seeing Jesus in the face of the poor.鈥�

Mary: Our faith-full guide

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his Angelus catechesis imploring the Blessed Virgin Mary鈥檚 assistance along our Christian journey.

鈥淢ay Mary Most Holy, blessed because she believed, be our guide and model on the path of faith in Christ, and make us aware that trust in Him gives full meaning to our charity and to all our existence.鈥�