In the Homily today we examine how Christ carried himself and how he was portrayed by others. Jesus and his disciples had just came into the district of Caesarea Philippi. It is important to note that this particular city did not have the strong presence of any one faith. This city was a melting pot of various differing religious ideaologies. Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The disciples tell him, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." Simon Peter spoke up, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah!" Simon Peter and our Lord talked at length and Jesus went on to talk about how his church will always prevail, and how Hades cannot prevail against it. There is also mention that Christ "sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah." Have you ever heard the statement "the more things change the more things stay the same?" How true is that in regards to the Homily? Few people would argue if you said Jesus was a great man, prophet, teacher, etc... When we look at the answers the disciples gave in regards to the opinion in their day of our Lord, we see the same responses from different religious communities as we see today. However, the controversy begins when you call him Lord, or Messiah. Today as you examine yourself be sure to keep the light of Christ so that others may see our Savior, the Son of the living God. Amen.
**Remember in prayer for healing especially: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, Vicky Fagiana, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Christopher Geagley, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Darren Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, and Susan Beeler.**
Collect:
"Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(1st Reading Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138, 2nd Reading Romans 12:1-8, Holy Gospel St. Matthew 16:13-20)
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