Recently, I was making some art. 

Okay fine. I was playing with play-doh with my 2 year old who is definitely better with play-doh with me. And then after play-doh we went to some legos, and luckily I can still hang with him in that. It was an enjoyable because watching the joy of a toddler as they take one thing and make it look like something else is pretty amazing. 

After all, it's a cool thing, right? Dreaming up something that we want to see and then doing something to make it happen is cool! There is something inherent to us that gets pleasure out of seeing our work pay off in something that has been created. 

This joy of creation in us comes from the fact that when we create we reflect something of the Creator, the One who created us and created everything in the world. In today's letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded that the universe was ordered by the Word of God and that through this Word what is visible came into being from the invisible. 

We've likely heard this idea before, but it's still crazy and worth pausing on: it was out of nothing that God made everything. The entirety of the world came out of the free gift of love of God and came into existence because he, in his infinite creativity, crafted everything in the entire world from the tallest mountains to the tiniest molecules. 

It is in this world, the world created and imagined and sustained and loved by the God who can make everything—from the stars to the sea and to the farthest reaches of the universe—that we come to the realization in today's reading that faith is the realization of what is hoped for. For the God who created everything has for us all good things to give, and it is when we come to faith in him, to true trust and confidence in the Creator, that we encounter all that it is we've hoped for. In him we find joy, hope, peace, confidence, redemption, and ultimately eternal life. 

Faith doesn't mean simply shutting down our reason and dreaming something to be true; rather it is a response to the ordered world to see the one who brings it into order. Faith doesn't mean believing in something and then having all of our problems go away; no, suffering will still exist and pain is still real. Faith is, rather, the realization that all I am longing for is found in the God brings all things into order, and if I trust in Him and place my life in His hands in faith I know that I will find eternal happiness, and be who I was ordered to be from the beginning. 

What are your biggest blocks to having true faith in God right now?

In the depths of your heart, what do you long for? Speak to God in this moment the prayers that you have spoken repeatedly and the deep prayers that you may have never had the courage or taken the time to verbalize. 

​Where in the world around you do you see God most clearly? 

"Jesus I trust in You."

"Give me deeper faith."

"You are the Creator of all things."

Do something today to take in the joy of the created world. Maybe spend time with people who are a gift to you. Maybe go for a walk or take some time to take in nature. Maybe you moderately enjoy some good food or dessert. Whatever it is, take time to simply enjoy God's creation and thank him for it. 

Everything about the readings on this Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Apostle, are why I came to believe that Catholicism is the truth. But I didn’t come to this realization on my own. God gave me the grace of faith, knowledge and understanding. I am so grateful for these wonderful gifts.

I wonder, how often do we thank God for such an incredible religion and the beautiful sacraments which allow his graces to flow into our spirit, bodies and lives? 

I recently reverted to Catholicism about six years ago and I still cry daily when I receive the Lord in the Eucharist at Mass and feel his loving mercy through my weekly confessions. I cannot imagine how Peter must have felt when he was asked three times by Jesus, “Do you love me?” Even though he denied Jesus previously, he came to know, by the Father’s gift, that Jesus was the Christ. Then Jesus hands him the keys to the Kingdom of heaven and the power to forgive sins.

Can you imagine being Peter at that moment? Whoa...what a responsibility! What an honor! What a gift! And how about when Peter performed his first miracles in Jesus’ name - can you imagine how he felt? I cannot fathom the faith he had in that day and age facing the chosen people of God, the Jews, and plainly disagreeing with them that Jesus is the Messiah and the Savior of the world. We know all too well the persecution and ultimately martyrdom of St. Peter.

These are trying times we live in now and our lovely Church no doubt continues to be attacked. I would like to thank all of the holy priests out there who are dedicated to guide us poor souls on righteous paths. If it wasn’t for the faith, courage and commitment of our priests - we would not be able to receive the Lord through the beautiful sacraments! May all you priests know there are many faithful servants of the Lord who pray for you and who hope you wear your collar with pride and joy. My heart melts when I see a priest out in public with their collar on - I love it! And I am not shy, I go right up to them and thank them for their vocation. Let’s all remember to thank our priests, in person, for their service and for answering God’s call.

I would like to ask everyone to please pause now and say a prayer for Pope Francis, bishops, priests and clergy that they lead with courage and right judgement and govern our Church into a sacrament of unity, love and peace for all the world. And one last prayer of mercy for those who have fallen into sin - that they reconcile themselves to God and through his mercy lead faithful, holy lives. 

Together, we as one body and one church can and will make our religion stronger, healthier and better than ever before. Long live the Church, Lord knows I need it to survive! God bless you all and keep praying for our amazing faith and let’s thank St. Peter for accepting the keys and leading us to salvation.

Lord, will you please protect your church and its leaders with Our Blessed Mother?

Jesus, will you please give me faith like Peter, even though I have abandoned you before?

Jesus, will you please help me never take for granted our beautiful Church and the amazing sacraments?

"Jesus, I trust in you."

"Mary, please intercede for us."

"Mary, cover the church in your mantle."

​Please take some time today and pray for our Church and its leaders and for the mercy of God to fall upon all of us, one body, one church. Let’s also pray that we be grateful for our faith and remember each and every time we go to Mass, confession or Adoration how amazing God is to give us these wonderful sacramental graces in our lives.  And lastly, let’s show our faith by loving everyone we encounter today and shine the light of Jesus through our actions, words and smiles. It is so awesome to be Catholic.

I remember hearing this passage and being almost shocked by what Jesus said to Peter. Can you even imagine Jesus saying, "Get behind me Satan!" to you? Peter was probably taken aback also. He had just declared Jesus to be the Messiah, and then Jesus reveals that He is going to undergo great suffering. Those two facts would not have added up in Peter's mind. If Jesus was the Messiah, then it wouldn't make sense for Him to have to undergo the suffering was being described. This man, Jesus, that Peter loved and followed so dearly, surely wouldn't be put to death. That couldn't be God's plan. It didn't sound fair. It didn't sound right. It didn't sound like something the Messiah would do. So Peter rebukes Him. He tries to tell Him what he thinks or tries to manage Jesus and the plan. 

This makes me think of my own life. How many times do I claim to be a follower of Jesus, but then I try to limit Jesus in my life. I would prefer to tell Jesus what I think should happen rather than follow the path He has in mind for me? When I come to a hard question or difficult time, do I lean on the words of Jesus? Do I turn to the truths of what He has spoken in my life? Or do I try to persuade Jesus that my way is the better way? 

Makes me take a look at myself and the question Jesus presents in this Gospel. Who do you say I am? I need to take that question into the depths of my heart to answer that question. If He is truly my Messiah, what does that change about my life? If He truly is Lord of my life, that changes things. I want to be open to the direction God has planned for me. I want to be open to it regardless of what I might think is a "better" plan. 
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I want to be able to declare Jesus is Messiah, and upon hearing God's plan, I want to say, "Okay Jesus, this might be tough, but let's walk this road together!" 

 How often do you try to limit Jesus in your life? Do you prefer your own plan for your life or do you trust the plan  Jesus has for you?

When you face difficult times or hard questions, do you lean on Jesus? Or do you try to persuade Jesus that your way is the better way? 

Who do you say that Jesus is? 

"I will follow you."

"I trust you."

​"You are my Lord."

Think about all the plans you have for your life. When you are ready, offer them all up to Jesus. Trust that God's plan is greater than anything we could imagine, and that He has good plans for your life. Be open to God's plan for your life and the joy that comes with following Him. 

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

When and where did my conversion begin? What work has Jesus done in my life?
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Where am I still in need of conversion? What work do I still need Jesus to do in my life?

​How can I return and recommit to the Lord today?

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

​"Heal me, Lord."

"I turn my heart to you."

​"Return again."

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

​All of us are in need of ongoing conversion today. Ask the Lord to reveal to you where in your heart and life you are still in need of conversion.