Reflection for August 27th, 20223 by Eve L.
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Gospel Reading: Mt 16:13-20
In this Gospel reading, Jesus asks a fundamental question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples all respond, but only Simon Peter gives a response that entices Jesus. He says, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Then the famous words are spoken when Jesus says to Peter, “On this rock I will build my Church.” Peter is the disciple that inherits what Jesus has left behind, his kingdom on Earth. In a way, we as disciples of Christ strive to be like Jesus, but we also strive to be like Peter in this Gospel. Peter is able to accept the metaphorical keys to God’s kingdom on Earth with grace and understanding. This is something that all of us need to encounter with Christ. When there is a moment where you need to accept some important news or maybe take on something that you don’t necessarily want to, think of how Peter acted in this situation where Jesus “handed” him the keys to God’s kingdom on Earth. This week's reflection is by Eve, Merion Mercy Academy class of 2025 |
Reflection for August 6th, 2023
Gospel Reading: Mt 17:1-9
This week we hear of the transfiguration of Jesus. While the mass readings follow a three year cycle there are some passages that we hear every year such as the transfiguration. We are challenged to look at these passages with fresh eyes and not to succumb to familiarity. Even though the passage does not change, we do, and our understanding of it can change as well. This year as I reflect on the transfiguration I am drawn to the words spoken by Jesus "Rise, do not be afraid". This phrase comes up a lot throughout the entire Bible. Jesus says the same thing when he calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John. In that instance, Peter also falls to the ground. I think Jesus is reminding us that we should never fear God, we should never hide from him. God is love and Jesus came to reconcile us to God, to bring us mercy and forgiveness. This mercy and forgiveness is always accompanied by a call to conversion to be transformed and to become more like Christ. The transfiguration provides a glimpse of the glory of Christ which is extended to us. While we may be overwhelmed by the glory of God or aware of our own sin, we should always remind ourselves of the mercy of God and Jesus' own words of comfort, "Do not be afraid". What is holding you back from growing closer to God? |
Reflection for August 13th, 2023 By Jake B.
Gospel Reading: Mt 14:22-33
In the Gospel, Jesus went up a mountain to pray by himself. The disciples were waiting in a boat not far offshore. When Jesus was done he walked on water to the waiting disciples. Frightened, they thought Jesus was a ghost. Peter doubted it was Jesus and tested him by asking for him to walk on water to Jesus. When Peter was walking on water, he became frightened and started to sink, and asked for Jesus to save him. Jesus pulled Peter into the boat and the others knew he was the Son of God. In this Gospel, Peter represents us, the people. If we have faith in Jesus that he will save us, he will. But if we doubt and fear like Peter we will sink. I challenge you to strengthen your faith and others with Christ, and help extinguish doubt in your relationship with God. This week's reflection is by Jake B. SJP class of 2025. |
Reflection for August 20th, 2023 by Penny K.
Gospel Reading: Mt 15:21-28
In Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus and his disciples are retreating to the coast of Canaan, and as they are leaving, a woman runs to them and cries out to help because her daughter is possessed by a demon. The disciples easily turn away from the woman, not giving her the time of day. Throughout the Gospel, the woman shows how she is faithful, because she knows who Jesus is and believes in his gifts, even though she is not an Israelite. This is a good cause for reflection, because faith can be tested many times in many different ways as hers was tested because of where she was from compared to the people Jesus normally healed. This could have made her faith go away, but she persisted. Jesus will not give up on you. In this Gospel, he shows how God's salvation plan is limitless, because he will help whoever reaches out to him. Just as Jesus saw how the woman proved her faith to him and ejected the demon from her daughter, healing her immediately. Has something ever tested your faith? If so, how have you believed in God throughout it? This week's reflection is by Penny, STHS class of 2026. |