Matthew 16:13-20
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Faith and Trust in God’s Call
Hearing and following God’s will means being attentive to his call in our lives and allowing ourselves to be an open piece of stone for his shaping, and at times even grinding. Like Peter proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, we often plunge headfirst toward this call with intense faith.
Christ’s call came to me later in life during a Mass in San Francisco. Hearing a group of young novices share their vocation stories, it felt as if Christ hit me directly in the chest, saying, “Pay attention! I want you to do what these men are doing.” This powerful moment inspired me to serious discernment with the Jesuits, ultimately joining the Society of Jesus as a brother- trusting Christ fully, including at times blindly.
As God builds us into solid foundations for his kingdom, we navigate an unknown journey in deep companionship with Christ. It is never too late to listen to his call and take that trusting plunge.
—Br. Mark Trombley, SJ, is a Jesuit of the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago and working at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL.
Prayer
Loving God- May I be blessed with grace filled trust in your Trinity inspired by your saints:
- The Attentiveness and Acceptance of Christ
- The Courage and Confidence of St. Michael the Archangel
- The Pondering and Patience of Our Holy Mother St. Mary
- The Charity and Justice of St. Alberto Hurtado, SJ
- The Faith and Fortitude of St. Nicholas Owen, SJ
- The Wonder and Wisdom of the Father
- and The Peace, Joy, and Hope of the Holy Spirit
Amen
—Br. Mark Trombley, SJ