These words of Jesus spoken to Peter in today’s gospel remind us of how much God relies on us to build his church. In this scene, Jesus gives Simon a new name and a new role. The name Peter, which means rock, brought with it a mission. His mission is the one we received at baptism: to bear witness to the gospel by what we say and do. It was not Peter’s personality or intelligence that Jesus would count on. It was the faith of Peter that he had just expressed, confessing that Jesus is truly the Christ, the Son of the living God. To carry out his mission Peter would have to rely on his faith in Christ. Faith would give him the courage to offer his life in witness to the Lord. Peter would falter. He would deny knowing Jesus. But then he would become a strong leader of the early church, because he trusted in the Lord more than in anything else.
Jesus is counting on us. He builds his church on the rock of our faith. We may not think that our belief is “rock solid” but that does not hinder the Lord from wanting to use us. The question for us then is not “do I have enough faith?” The question is: “do I want to let God take the faith I have, imperfect as it may be? Am I willing to let God make my faith grow as I offer myself, like Peter, in service to him?”
Faith grows, like the muscles in our body, with exercise. Michael Phelps did not become a record holding Olympic swimmer by thinking about it. He trained his body day in and day out. Exercise stretched his whole body – mind, muscles, heart and lungs - to their full capacity. We exercise our faith by letting the Holy Spirit stretch our minds and our hearts. Let me point out ways you already know, but maybe are afraid to try.
One way faith expands to fill our minds is by listening to and sharing God’s word. Instead of filling our heads and our speech with the news and gossip of daily life, we need the nourishment that comes from reading and talking about the scriptures. Just as you know that walking, climbing stairs, and eating healthy food builds your body, you know that a steady routine of the gospel in prayer and conversation builds your soul. Yet you say: when am I going to start? What do I need to do? Well, now is the time to start or restart. And ARISE is a proven way to help your faith grow.
Like most basic forms of exercise, ARISE is simple but requires discipline. If you are willing to commit ninety minutes, one day or evening a week for six weeks, and spend a few minutes reading scripture and talking with others, you will see your faith grow. Along with Cardinal Sean and our parish ARISE team, I ask you to try it. We are having a sign-up Sunday on September 13 and 14, but if you are ready now, just give us a call. We are looking for homes so please think about hosting an ARISE group of six to eight people. You won’t even have to leave home to participate! At the least, please keep praying about it.
Faith is not just something we believe. Faith is trusting God. Another way faith grows is by making a commitment to rely more on God’s help and less on other things. In my letters to you I often appeal to your generosity by telling you about what your contributions can do for others. Today I want you to realize what giving to God through your parish does for YOU! Remember the poor widow in the gospel? Jesus commended her over those who gave more because saw he that her heart was far greater than theirs. It is easier to give from our surplus, from what we have left over. It is easier to give to support things we want or like. Faith grows in us when we risk what we have in giving. Personally, when it comes to giving to God I don’t wait until I see what is left after everything else. I start by committing a portion of what I have and dedicating that gift as an offering to the Lord. Certainly our gift helps to build the church than Jesus began with Peter. But real giving, to the point of sacrifice, enlarges my heart. It is good for us as well as for others. I know that I am no Olympic athlete. God does not expect me or you to be one. God only asks that we train and exercise the soul we have. If you stop and think for a moment what and how you give, think again. Think also about why.
Think about the question Jesus put to Peter and the disciples in today’s gospel? “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus is still waiting for our answer. He wants to build his church on your faith. If you say “You are the Christ…” how will he know that you really mean it?
As pastor of Saint John’s I extend the welcome of our parish staff and community to all who enter our website. Christ’s peace be with you!
