Personal Comments on biblical references to the Pope

When I read the letters of Peter from the bible, it always astonishes me to think that I am actually reading the first pope's words of wisdom. I took some time to scrutinize some of the passages in the Gospels and to look more closely at the relationship between Christ Jesus and Peter.

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Peter and Christ had such a strong relationship. Peter is the one that acknowledges that Jesus is the Messiah (Greek for "the Anointed One")--the Christ (Mt. 16, 16; Lk 9, 20). Even so, when Christ appears to the apostles after his resurrection and has breakfast with them, he asks Peter if he loves Christ three times (Jn 20, 15:17). Just as Peter denied Christ three times before (Lk 22, 56:62), Peter now proclaims his love for Christ three times.

There is no doubt that Christ has a special and strong relationship with Peter.

Peter is weak in faith, as when he became scared in the sea when he walked out to meet Christ (Mt 14, 29:31) or when he not only denies but curses and swears against Christ (Mk 14, 67:71). Despite his frail faith Christ always speaks to him with love and compassion. Peter knows he does not deserve to be near Christ. Pope John Paul II writes in his book Crossing the Threshold of Hope[1] that everyone is in debt to Peter when he says “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Lk 5, 8) Christ answers in very simple words, words that Pope John Paul II always uses in his writings: “do not be afraid” (Lk 5, 10).

Out of the twelve disciples, Christ tells him to tend his sheep.

The Catholic Church refers back to the Gospel of Matthew for the bible verse where Christ gives Peter the ‘keys of the kingdom,’ making Peter the first Pope of the Church.

“And I tell you, you are Peter (Petros) and on this rock (petra) I will build my church … I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Mt. 16, 18:19)

Christ Jesus makes other references to Peter caring for the followers of Christ in other passages. When Jesus predicts Peter’s denial in the Gospel of Luke, he also reveals that Christ has prayed that Peter’s faith will not fail, “and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Lk 22, 32). This is where Christ reveals that Peter will become responsible for the faith of others (Moran, 388)[2]. Peter is called to strengthen others in the faith. At first he was instructed by Jesus as one of the twelve apostles. Then he becomes a witness of Christ’s death and resurrection. When Jesus appears to seven of the apostles and has breakfast with them, he asks Peter if he loves him three times. After Peter replies, Christ says “feed my lambs,” “tend my sheep,” “feed my sheep” (Jn 21, 15:17)

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[1] John Paul II. Crossing the Threshold of Hope. "The Pope": A Scandal and a Mystery (pg. 4)

[2] Moran, Luis R. El Misterio de Cristo en la Historia de la Salvacion. Spain 1967

So lovely

It's only a matter of time before my eyes begin to sparkle at the sight of you. In such a crowded room, my eyes only see you. You, who enters the room so discretely, capture my attention.

You walk straight towards me.

Your tender hand reaches out to mine as an invitation awaiting a response. I blush, tilt my head to my shoulder, and smile as I look at your open hand. Slowly I pluck the courage to breath and raise my hand. I place it on yours.

Your smile, so sweet and tender. You caress my hand with your thumb and lunge me forward.

Soon we start to dance. At first very upbeat and fast. Later, a more moderate dance. Soon, a slow paced dance. I hold on to you and close my eyes, thinking of the beautiful things you've introduced me to--dancing, music, laughter, feelings. You hold me in your arms like nothing else matters but this moment that we share together.

You look at me, move my hair out of my face, smile, and speak those secret words.

I love you.

I beam radiantly at those words and reply back.

I love you too.

We smile at each other's smile, laugh, and begin to dance the night away.

Thoughts on Religion

It is often spoken. The chosen ones hear it, take it in, and become followers. It is a simple understanding that opens eyes and cleanses the soul. It is a life-changing phenomenon. A miracle. No other life or object or pursuit or pleasure exists after taking in the news. Nothing else brings everlasting joy or eternal life. It's a beauty that makes you want to give yourself entirely. It's a truth that makes you want to become a better person, lend a hand to others, and share the goodness that you've discovered to the rest of the world. It is not selfish or boastful or arrogant, but rather hopeful, loving, patient, and kind.

To accept the ultimate truth--that is the task. "What is truth?" How can you distinguish between truth and falsity? How can you answer morality questions without a main core, a reference point, a comforting start--a beginning.

I hear whispers here and there. Murmurs. Soft lips letting questions slip into the midst of strangers. One word. Three letters. "GOD." One word. So what, I say. There are many. What distinguishes a real one from all of the fake ones? What about my job, my finance, my education, my success in life, my hard work, my knowledge, my science, my abilities, my facade, my material things, my lovers, my imagination, my everything? So what. God? What is that? I built this house, I decorated it, I raised my kids, I worked double shifts, I this and I that. My life has not known a 'god' and I've been very well off.

Why are we so resistant to the good news? Why does it bug us to hear those three words; those ever-hopeful, loving and comforting words?

GOD LOVES YOU

Three powerful words in such a simple sentence: (1) God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth; the definition of love; the Holy Father; the ultimate friend. (2) Love, the strongest emotion that makes us feel like there is a meaning to our existence; the selfless act of giving oneself to another; the respect and admiration towards others; the utmost realization that you are not alone. (3) You, the chosen creation, created in God's image; the reason for salvation; the salt and light on earth.

How? Because He sent his only son --Jesus Christ-- to die on the Cross so that OUR SINS can be forgiven-- so that the path to heaven can be open for us, and so that we can become a new creation.

If this is believed, all else follows.