On This Rock

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. Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus renamed Simon as Peter, the rock which the church was built upon, which evil could not bring down, and was capable of binding and loosing on earth as in heaven. We know that Peter became the first "pope" and did great ministry in his lifetime. e also suffered greatly. This Rock, this Peter, was also very human and the imprint of fear and the scars of doubt were a visible part of him. He denied knowing Jesus after he was arrested. He stumbled often and misunderstood all the time. But he gave himself to God, no matter his failings and we can too. The perfect are not called to follow Jesus because there are no perfect people except Jesus, just us flawed and stumbling people who are all loved by God.

Wondrous Creator, you love us all completely

you do not see our faults and our great fears

and you help us to love despite our failings.

We expect so much of ourselves and others

that we are often disappointed and full of shame

though you love us completely despite us.

Help us to get us again and follow you

knowing you called us to be your love here

and trusting you will give us new strength today. Amen.