Dear brothers and sisters, as you know, this chapter has allowed us to reflect on the urgency of renewing the Order’s mission. Just as Peter, to whom Jesus entrusted the responsibility of his Church, saying: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church,” Jesus desires to entrust us with his mission.
“Upon This Rock… the Mission Continues”
Renewing Faith, Embracing the Cross, Living the Mission
“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.”
Matthew 16:18
This morning’s Gospel begins by introducing us to Jesus in the region of Caesarea Philippi. Matthew tells us that He arrived in Caesarea Philippi. If Matthew were to address us today, gathered in this chapter, he would also tell us that we have not arrived in Caesarea Philippi, because we are not living in the time of Jesus. In Krakow? Not really! Since we have been here for several weeks already, he would rather emphasize that we are nearing the end of our chapter work.
Dear brothers and sisters, as you know, this chapter has allowed us to reflect on the urgency of renewing the Order’s mission. Just as Peter, to whom Jesus entrusted the responsibility of his Church, saying: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church,” Jesus desires to entrust us with his mission. In other words, he wants us, as provincials, to fully commit ourselves to the new dynamic of the Order’s mission in our provinces, so that the work of salvation, to which Dominic dedicated his life by following Jesus, continues to bear fruit. To this end, and like Peter, Jesus asks two things of us.
First, faith. Without a deep, personal, and affirmed faith, Peter could not have become responsible for the Church of Christ. Without this faith, it will be difficult for us to fulfill and renew our mission. Thus, Jesus wants us to show such faith in Him, in the Order, but especially in the decisions made during this chapter for the renewal of our mission to those who do not know God, to those who need to strengthen their faith, to those who have distanced themselves from the Church or are on the margins of it, as well as to young people.
Then, he asks us to avoid any form of opposition that could hinder the mission. As Jesus reveals to his disciples the mystery of his mission, announcing his passion, death, and resurrection, Peter, moved and zealous, tries to oppose Him. But Jesus rebukes him, saying, “Get behind me, Satan, you are an obstacle in my path.” This reminds us that we can only fulfill our mission by agreeing to go through the cross, by denying ourselves, and by accepting God’s will. Therefore, we must be careful that our behaviors and reactions do not undermine our trust in God and hinder the mission.
In conclusion, let us remember that many challenges and upheavals are shaking our world. All of this should challenge us and prepare us for our mission. Let us also remember that Christ’s mission is one of love, forgiveness, and redemption. As disciples of Christ, we are called to carry this mission into the world, to be witnesses of his light and, above all, of his truth. Let us commit ourselves to following Jesus on the way of the cross, denying ourselves and responding with generosity and dedication to his call. Let us fulfill our mission with faith and trust in God, avoiding becoming obstacles to its fulfillment.
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