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Exploring the Sunday and Holy Day Readings
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Who do you say that I am?
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The title of this story from Luke's history of the early Church could be "Church Leader Makes Impossible Escape from Prison." It happens during the reign of King Herod who persecuted the followers of Jesus. After executing James, Herod imprisons Peter and puts him under heavy guard. But what Herod does not know is that the Church is sending up heavy duty prayers for Peter's escape.
In the middle of the night before his trial, Peter is awakened by an angel who ushers him past the guards and down an alley into safety. Peter praises God for his miraculous escape. Then he rejoins the Christian community, assuring them that their prayers have been well answered.
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What does this story reveal to you about Peter? About Herod? About the early Church? How do you think hearing this story affected other Christians who knew they too might be imprisoned and executed?
Martyrdom, or dying for one's faith, did not end after the reign of King Herod. What stories do you know about martyrs in the Church today? Name three virtues you think a Christian would have to have in order to become a martyr.
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On this Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, we have already heard about how Peter was persecuted for preaching the good news of Jesus. In this second reading, Paul is writing to his friend Timothy from prison in Rome. Paul has already suffered much for his faith. However, he can honestly say, like a dedicated Olympic runner, "I have competed well; I have finished the race."
Although at times his friends deserted him when he was in trouble, Paul has never been deserted by the Lord. He firmly believes that the Lord will see him safely home.
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There are many ways in which young people can compete in athletics, in displaying their talents, and in academic excellence. What kinds of competition do you enjoy?
When Saint Paul says that he has competed well, what do you think he means? Who or what might Paul be competing against in order to keep the faith? How would he do that?
What lines in this reading might help you if you were in trouble? What lines might help you to be a stronger Christian? Consider copying these lines and learning them by heart so that they are always with you.
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If Jesus had been a classroom teacher and Peter one of his students, Peter would have earned an A for his answer to today's question. Jesus first asks his disciples who the crowds think he is. Then he asks, "But who do you say that I am?" He wants to be assured that at least his closest friends recognize his true identity.
When Peter says that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus is overjoyed. He knows that only the Father could have revealed this truth to Peter. So Jesus makes Peter the rock on which his Church will be founded. And he gives him the symbolic keys to the kingdom of heaven.
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How do you feel when you are mistaken for someone else or when others fail to recognize your true character? Why do you think it is important for us to have a few family members or friends who know who we really are? Why do you think Jesus needed to be assured that his disciples knew who he was?
Before Peter became Jesus' "rock," the disciple had been scolded by Jesus for his lack of faith. And right after Peter became the "rock," he was strongly rebuked by Jesus for denying that Jesus would have to suffer. Why do you think Jesus chose someone who was imperfect as the foundation of his church? What one-line prayer might you address to "Peter, Patron Saint of Imperfect Disciples"?
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| Proclaiming Faith Activity |
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Living the Sunday and Holy Day Readings
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With your partner or group, design a board game or a card game based on Paul's statement: "I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Develop rivals and obstacles to keeping the faith which players must compete with and overcome. Provide rewards and advantages for players who choose reliable ways of keeping the faith.
When your game is completed, share it with family and friends.]
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Imagine the possible responses people of various walks of life might make if they met Jesus at a busy airport and he asked, "Who do you say that I am?"
Improvise a skit with your group. Take turns playing Jesus in disguise. He might be a priest who heals a sick passenger. He might be a woman who gathers little children around her and teaches them about God. He might be a homeless person who is seeking help. Have group members enact how Christians, Moslems, Jews or people of no faith might respond to the question.
Conclude the skit with some unlikely person who gives Peter's A answer, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." |
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For Bibles and other scripture resources, please see the Sadlier religion catalog.
 www.sadlier.com/main.htm
Copyright © 2003
William H. Sadlier, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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