Monday 22 February

Chair of St Peter, Apostle (F)

1 Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23; Matthew 16:13-19

Sense of relief

Travelling with his disciples Jesus was perhaps sometimes frustrated with them due to their blindness and slowness. This passage tells of a profound moment for Jesus and for Peter. Arriving in a Gentile region, Jesus asks an important question: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They list several names. “But who do YOU say that I am?” “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God,” Peter answers. Perhaps we can readily feel Jesus’ sense of relief. But could we proclaim Jesus as Peter did?