The Aspect of Rock in Peter & Paul

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week - Wednesday*

*The Aspect of Rock in Peter & Paul*

*GOSPEL -  Mt 16:13-19*

*FIRST READING - Acts 12:1-11*

*SECOND READING - 2 Tm 4:6-8, 17-18*

*1) Jesus Says He will Build His Church on Rock*

In the Gospel of the Day Jesus makes it very clear that, He will Build His Church on the Rock 

The intention of Building the Church on the Rock is to make it strong, lasting, and to withstand with all the challenges

Something build on the Rock can't be destroyed very easily. It remains strong for long time 

*2) Peter and Paul are two Pillars or Two rocks*

When Jesus speaks about Rock on which He will Build His Church, He is not referring the Stones or any other hard material to build the physical building or structure

Jesus is speaking about the persons who are like Rocks on whom the church can be built 

In this sense we can say that Peter & Paul are the two powerful rocks on which the foundation of the Church rests

*3) Various aspects of Rock in Peter & Paul*

*A) Faith like that of Rock*

Peter and Paul had strong faith, which was like a rock, on which Jesus built His church 

*B) Conviction like that of Rock*

Their conviction was so strong like that of Rock, they did not fear for anything in life 

*C) Courage like that of Rock*

Their courage was like a strong rock which made them to face all the challenges in proclaiming the Good News 

*D) Determination like that of Rock*

Their determination for the Lord was so strong like that of Rock, which led them to proclaim the goodnews even in the midst of persecution

*E) Love like that of a Rock*

The love they had for Jesus was so strong, which led them to give their life for Jesus 

*F) Knowledge like that of Rock*

Paul was a learned man, Peter was inspired by the Lord. So their knowledge and wisdom was so deep and strong like that of Rock, they had answers for all questions 

*4) Proof to say that Peter and Paul are the Rocks*

The Church built on these rocks, completes 2022 years. Still Church is strong 

The Church, the faith of the people, which was built on Peter and Paul still very strong, which shows that Peter and Paul are the Strong rocks on which the Church is built 

The Church built on these rocks can never be destroyed by any power of the world or any other things

*5) A call to become Rocks of the Church*

As we celebrate the feast of Peter and Paul, who are considered to be the rocks of the Church, on whom the Church is built, we are called upon to become another rock to sustain this church in the present day context

What aspects in my life resembles the rock, which are very Strong? 

For Example 

My faith, love, humility, sincerity, determination, service, sharing, sacrifice, love, forgiveness, compassion, hardwork etc. 

How can I make my life like rock, which would resemble Peter and Paul's life??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*