Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands. — Psalm 138:8

Mass Readings: Isaiah 22:19-23 / Romans 11:33-36 / Matthew 16:13-20 

Piece of the Rock 

Another story from my New York days, when I was a single guy. I was a Catholic apologist, seeking out Protestants and others to debate. It was fun, but ultimately frustrating, because I so much wanted to win, and I never got a conversion. As you may suspect, today’s Gospel was a favorite point of debate. Jesus gives Simon the name Peter (Rock) and says His Church will be built upon that rock. 

I’ve studied the Greek originals and the nuances of the words in Aramaic, yet the answer is plain for anyone to see. Jesus meant what He said when He appointed Peter as head, and we have 2,000 years of lived testimony of this fact in the Church. Our Holy Father today is a piece of the rock that has Jesus as its foundation. 

Prayer: Lord, may I always be faithful to Your one true Church.