Pallikoodasa,1st S,Nov.1,09

Pallikkoodasa 1st S,Nov.1,09
(Mt.16:13-19)

Today we celebrate the All Saints Day, a day set apart by the Church to remember all those who have found favor with God .The day reminds each one of us to follow the examples of holiness, devotion and attachment to the Lord shown by the saints, in our earthly pilgrimage to heaven.
In today’s Gospel, St. Matthew presents before us a very important moment in the lives of the Apostles. Jesus calls them together and asks what the people say about Him. They reply by giving the opinions of the people saying that Jesus is one of the prophets of the past who has come alive. Jesus now asks them what they think of Him. Peter responds to this question on behalf of all the Apostles by saying that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. There is no hesitation, no doubt no wavering in his response. It just comes spontaneously to his lips. He says confidently and boldly that the person standing before him is the Son of God.
Jesus understands the full meaning of that statement and knows fully well that it has not come to Peter through any human endeavor but by the revelation of God. Jesus realizes that Peter’s faith has made him totally open to God and that he is the recipient of a great revelation from God , the Father. Right there itself, Jesus makes him the foundation of the community he is going to gather. Peter is the Rock and upon this Rock, Jesus will build His church.
This is an appropriate moment for all of us to reflect on the implications of this statement and understand the true meaning of the church. We are the flock of Christ, the people of God, the community of believers in Christ who are firmly established on Peter and his successors. This is the uniqueness of the Catholic Church and makes it different from other denominations. Many a time, people try to water down the importance of this statement and make it appear that all denominations have equal validity. The foundation on the Rock of Peter is the most distinctive characteristic of the true community of believers.
It is also a good time for us to reflect on our commitment to Christ. Jesus is asking each one of us what we think of Him. Do we really believe that he is the Son of God? If we really believe that He is the Son of God, then, all of our ideas and attitudes on life will definitely undergo great changes. Tue followers of Christ can never be selfish, arrogant, boastful and hateful. There should be a great desire to forgive, to reach out and to come to the aid of the poor.
As Mother Teresa has said , alone we can do nothing, but with Jesus , we can do a lot of things. Today , we shall join with all our fellow brethren in faith and walk along the path of holiness, offering the Gospel of love and forgiveness and of compassion and mercy to all around us.