Faith and Doubt

Today’s Gospel Text:  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." Matt 16:13-19

Reflection: The statement of Peter would have been a heretical statement to make, which would require stoning.

How could Peter make such a profound statement, which was truth to every extent of the term? How could he be so confident, against odds, about making such a statement and which ultimately finds approval from none other than Jesus himself?

Nor did the question which Jesus posed and their reply could give any positive hints to the Disciples, which includes Simon Peter.

Most people, if placed in similar situation and were to rationally handle such a situation, then they would have had problem of fear and anxiety to make such a statement as Peter the apostle.

Because there was nothing in the previous answers to arrive at such a confident answer nor was there any logical demeanor or any extraordinary character, except for his healing's and deliverance's  that Jesus put forth that one could arrive at such a conclusion easily.

Besides, the Jewish faith would not permit anyone to make such statements of expression and in a way it was a block to make such as assertion like that of Simon Peter.

How then did Peter make such a statement? Was it an angel who revealed it to him or is it a spontaneous wild guess and Peter comes out triumphs as like in a game of luck?

Jesus reveals it to us why Peter was able to come out with a perfect answer: “For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”

Was God partial only to Peter? From the blessings that Jesus commands on Peter, it could be possible that God’s spirit at work in the consciences of the many who may have had a similar revelation but by the hardness of their hearts they may scuttle God’s revelation about his Son Jesus as Lord and Messiah.

Peter was an exception, when he believes in what is revealed by his Father and does not doubt;    

for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind:”For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:6-7

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be open to the constant revelation of your saving wisdom and believe in what you reveal to me. 

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