At the water's edge along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, you can find rocks in the shape of hearts. Some are the size of pebbles, others as large as the palm of your hand, and still others large enough to sit on. Perhaps these mysteriously-shaped rocks reflect the pattern of Saint Peter's living faith when the Lord asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" At that instant, through the Father's act of sheer goodness, Saint Peter recognizes who Jesus truly is. Saint Peter's own heart receives the precious gift of faith, a gift that dissolves and re-forms even the hardest and most impetuous of hearts and allows him to respond, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." In simplicity, docility, and trust, Saint Peter answers Jesus from the depths of his heart, and receives in return the keys to the kingdom of heaven and the power to forgive sins. If, in these early days of Lent, our own hearts are stony and cold, we can ask for the grace to be transformed through a gift of faith in Jesus and in his Church, founded on the rock of Saint Peter. We can ask for the grace of knowing Jesus, for recognizing him as the Father's only Son, and for the courage always to profess Jesus as Lord.
Reflection based on Matthew 16:13-19
Melinda Knight
Heavenly Father, increase our faith in your Son, Jesus.
Let our hearts be conformed to his.
Let our lives reflect the pattern of his love.
Today's suggested penance: Do something concrete to help the poor.