Truth

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." 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." Matt 16:13-23

Reflection: Impossible! How can anyone arrive at such a conclusion as that of the Apostle Peter?

How can Peter stand alone in a crowd and proclaim that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

On the other hand how can Jesus approve what is not proclaimed by a majority? Why did Jesus not go by the democratic principles of life?

Should not truth come from the majority?

May be we should go by what the leftist have to say and arrive at truth by asking from the marginalized and those on the fringe of society. 

Once again scripture reveals to us how to be wise and arrive at the truth?

Not by flesh and blood reasoning and hence do not give extra credence to reasoning or decisions based on majority but to decisions that are based on prayer.

It should be a decision which is based on discernment; seeking God’s will and mind in the things that we do and proclaim to others.

Today we have even people in authority and positions who reject the faith of Christ and thus give credence to flesh and blood reasoning’s.

Humanly speaking Peter could have asked for trouble and even a rebuke from the Lord, who would not mince words in order to correct what is false.

Likewise, if any among the crowd would have heard it then they would have bundled him up with his master for stoning.

Did they not judge the Lord for claiming himself to be the Son of God, and crucify him for the same very reason?

Truth stands alone and yet it is never alone because the might of God is on the side of truth and nothing happens unless God allows it. 

Prayer:  Lord, teach me wisdom in the secret of my heart and a Spirit of perseverance to adhere to it.

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