Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle: Listening Wholeheartedly

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.” - Matthew 16:13-19

During our life journey, it is natural to catch ourselves in moments where we ask, “What is life really all about?” Sometimes reflection comes not at the end of life, but before questions of life. For the followers of Christ, that same question was asked in another way, “Who are you, Jesus?” Although the disciples were following Jesus, they were probably wondering about his place in God’s plan. When Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” it marked a turning point for all of them. The man whom they had simply called ‘rabbi’ or ‘teacher’ was now acknowledged as the Messiah.

We cannot know someone if we do not spend time with them. Learning about another person can often require personal contact, above all, listening to him or her. Ten years ago, I moved to New York from California for my career and it was a period in my life where I felt most alone. Working in the investment industry, my days and evenings were filled with relentless hours focusing on stocks and the portfolio of others. It was exciting in the beginning, but I grew tired of it. Taking the train home each night, I would often think about, “What is the point in all of this?” or “Is this what life is all about?” My questions led me to spend more time with Him and opportunities to share my struggles and dreams.

The test of any relationship is how committed people are to each other. At some point, a person dating will wonder how serious their partner is about them? During times of difficulty, one may ask who they can count or rely on? In a work environment, we may question whether the hours committed are of worth and value to whom we are serving? Likewise, our Lord wonders about us. Jesus is interested in knowing what we think of him. What does Christ mean to us? Is he a picture on a holy card? Or does he have a real place in our life?

Lord, help me to love my faith as an expression of my personal relationship with you...

reflected by Tam Lontok