Dear Parishioners,

Today’s Gospel is about St. Peter’s profession of faith in Christ and Christ granting Him the ministry of governing His kingdom, the Church. This passage is incredibly important because it provides the theological basis for the ministry of the Pope who continues the ministry of St. Peter for all times even up to today. We especially need to hold on to this teaching of Christ because we can very easily undermine all authority structures in favor of individual liberty.

Literally, we do not like being told what to do, and what to believe. Especially as Americans who overthrew monarchy in our own country, this idea of someone having authority granted by God seems far-fetched and open to injustice. There is no shortage of black legends about the Church when she is portrayed as being corrupt (not living up to her ideals) or just plain evil. However, she is hated more for teaching what is true than for anything she has done in the past. There are many who are against the Church because of our moral teachings especially on social issues.

There really is no organization as maligned as the Catholic Church. All mockery of the Church is seen perfectly acceptable in polite society and people can make jokes with impunity. We must remember in the face of this that our Lord warned His disciples, “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” (John 15:18) It is really tough to be faithful to Our Lord because many in the world do not want to hear the truth. No wonder so many bishops and priests fail to do so. Everyone wants to be liked and appreciated and to say popular things. No one likes to be the one that says no. Yet, it is vital for the whole Church that Catholics know their faith and be willing to defend it. Our Lord has the words of eternal life and it cannot be found anywhere else.

So, please, pray especially for Pope Francis and for all the clergy of the Church. We need all the help we can get to preach what is true and people need to hear it! We should also pray for the holiness of the Church that we may live up to our own ideals and never be open to accusations of hypocrisy. The Pope has the toughest job in the world and needs all the help he can get.

God bless!

Fr. Carter