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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, teach me to use my words to spread faith, hope and joy, never to tear other people down. Amen!

"Who do other people say that I am?" Jesus asked the Apostles. They answered, "John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or another prophet." "But who do you think I am?" Jesus asked. Peter said, "The Messiah, the Son of God." Jesus told him, "Bless you, Peter! Your name means 'rock,' and on this rock, I'll build my church."

There's a lot of turmoil going on right now over fighting in Charlottesville, Virginia, between people who think some Americans are better than others just because they're white, and other people who were protesting that. Some people think the right to freedom of speech in this country means it's totally OK to be hurtful to others.

Whatever the law says, Jesus wants everyone to be kind. If we say what we think, Jesus wants those thoughts to make everyone happier and holier, not tear others down.

In this week's Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20), Peter impulsively says what he believes: that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah -- the person sent from heaven to save the world.

In this case, Peter's words build up what we call "the kingdom of God:" all the people who follow Jesus. What Peter says is full of truth and joy, and brings people closer to God.

Jesus sees that. He's so happy that Peter used his speech to acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God that He makes Peter the head of the Church. Today, we recognize Peter as the first pope, and we call all the popes after him "successors of Peter."

Freedom of speech can be used poorly, the way the hurtful people in Charlottesville used it; or it can be used well, like the peaceful people used it. Jesus always wanted us to use words of love, not hate.

Peter understood what Jesus taught. When asked who Jesus really was, Peter's speech showed joy, trust and faith in God. Let's all speak like Peter![[In-content Ad]]

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