PRI Reflections on Scripture | Friday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel

Luke 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude,
and the disciples were with him,
he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah;
still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’”
Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.”
He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly
and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,
and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Reflection

What I believe Jesus is trying to make clear is that even though Peter used the right words, he didn't fully understand. It was impossible for any of the disciples to fully grasp who Jesus was and the gift that he returned to the father to send to them. It could only come to them after they received the gifts of Christ’s death on the cross. Then they could know. Then they could see.

Closing Prayer

Father, words are easy. We can say Jesus is Lord, we can say God is present, but we have to grow into an experience of these things and know how important they are and how powerful they are. To say it is easy, to know it is difficult. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross