It is hard to imagine how today's gospel struck the people of the early Church. it must have been overwhelming. Christ asks the apostles who it is said He is and they hedge: “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Even now His close followers and friends are not sure. Then He asks Peter who replies: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
It must have been a thunderbolt in the small group. Peter thought Christ was the Son of God.
Then Christ creates the Church. The word Church appears only twice in the gospels and only in Matthew. Its origin in Aramaic does mean a structured religious group. And He gives leadership of that Church to a man who lost his faith walking on the water and who would deny Christ three time during Christ' captivity before the crucifixion.
Maybe there is hope for us all.
It must have been a thunderbolt in the small group. Peter thought Christ was the Son of God.
Then Christ creates the Church. The word Church appears only twice in the gospels and only in Matthew. Its origin in Aramaic does mean a structured religious group. And He gives leadership of that Church to a man who lost his faith walking on the water and who would deny Christ three time during Christ' captivity before the crucifixion.
Maybe there is hope for us all.
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