Who do people say that the Son of Man is?But who do you say that I am?

Wow, today’s readings are packed full of good stuff.

From today’s first reading…

I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts;
I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
No longer will they have need to teach their friends and relatives
how to know the LORD.
All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the LORD,
for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.

God makes a covenant with His people and in that covenant He promises to forgive our evildoing and remember our sins no more.  How great is that?  With that forgiveness comes a bit of responsibility on our part as referenced in our Psalm today…

R. (12a) Create a clean heart in me, O God.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

And our Gospel – our good news today.  Throughout the Old Testament, our Lord called on many different men to lead His people.  He established many covenants – Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon.  Today, Christ chooses His man to lead His Church – Peter.  By far, the greatest explanation of this choice is explained by Blessed Fulton Sheen.  I was able to find Blessed Sheen’s talk on this subject that I heard for the first time many years ago and try to listen to every time this Gospel is proclaimed.  I found it on YouTube and I’m posting it for you to listen to today.  This is a beautiful explanation of the our Gospel proclaimed today.  It may be a bit lengthy – but it is well worth the time.

Blessed Fulton Sheen ~ Peter, Vicar of Christ

Do something great for our Lord today – pray for His Church.

God’s will, not mine, be done.

Be not afraid; just have faith.

Jesus, I trust in You.