STEP #1: LECTIO / READMatthew: 16: 13-23 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” STEP #2: MEDITATIO / MEDITATEWho do you say that the Son of Man is? The foundation of all faith rests on this Man. Jesus was an excellent teacher, a wise thinker, a dedicated Jew, and even a great prophet. Even today many speak of Him in this regard, but firstly and foremost who do you say that He is? He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Imagine the strength that Peter cried out when he replied with these words. Jesus, You are far beyond what others say about You…You are the Christ, the One in whom we waited. You are the Son of the living God who has been for all time and will never cease to be. You are my Savior and my everything. The life of the world rests on your shoulders. Who do you say that the Son of Man is? Your mind may say one thing, but your heart could say another. Even if your heart struggles in knowing that He is the Christ, the Anointed One, the Son of the living God...That does not change it at all. To you, He remains all of that and more, perpetually loving you and giving His life to you. Do not be afraid to cry out in trusting strength the Truth of Jesus Christ. Peter falters in judgment and so do we… but think as God does. God thinks big picture in the truest reality of the phrase. He knows you through and through. He loves you through and through. Who do you say that you are? Your mind may say one thing, but your heart could say another. Answer, not from your brokenness, but from the mind of God. Who does God say that you are? Even if your heart struggles in knowing that you are His; You are chosen, a beloved child of the living God. You are the one He has loved since before time began. To Him, you have infinite worth and goodness. Think as God does. Lean hard on the Truth of Jesus Christ. Rest in the Infinite Love that is lavished upon you. Live in the Heart of Christ. Jesus is the Son of the Living God. You are forever loved by Him. STEP #3: ORATIO / PRAYWho do I say that Jesus is? Who does Jesus say that I am ? What does the Lord specifically love about me? STEP #4: CONTEMPLATIO / CONTEMPLATE"Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God." "I am forever Loved." "His Love is healing" FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAY...Ponder the reality, Jesus loves you at your weakest. In any struggles today, praise God for the opportunity to live in Him. SMARTPHONE LOCK SCREEN  Today's prayer was prepared by Robert Blood, seminarian for the Diocese of Rockford.
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