In commenting upon Matthew 16:23 from today’s Mass Readings, Saint John Chrysostom writes:
“Therefore, the rest being troubled and in perplexity, Peter again in his ardor alone ventures to discuss these things. And he does not discuss them openly but only when he had taken him aside. Having separated himself from the rest of the disciples, he says, “God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” What is happening here? The very one who had obtained a revelation, who had been blessed, has now so soon fallen away, so as now to fear the Passion of the Lord, and thereby his faith has been overthrown. It is remarkable that Peter, who had not yet been fully instructed in the course of revelation, should come up with these responses. The larger picture had not yet been revealed to Peter, and he was confused and overwhelmed. Peter had learned that Christ is the Son of God. But he had not learned of the mystery of the cross and the resurrection. It was as yet not manifested to him. It remained hidden. Do you see how correct Jesus was in forbidding them not to declare his identity publicly? For if it so confounded the disciples, who were being made aware of it, who knows what the response of others might have been. This is why he rebuked Peter and called him Satan: to signify that he is coming to his future suffering voluntarily (The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 54).”
Today is the Memorial of Saint Dominic. An excerpt ‘From various writings on the history of the Order of Preachers’ is found here. The Encyclical of Pope Benedict XV (yes, the 15th!) on Saint Dominic is found here.
May Saint Dominic
come to the help of Your Church
by his merits and teaching, O Lord,
and may he, who was an outstanding preacher
of your truth,
be a devoted intercessor on our behalf.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
come to the help of Your Church
by his merits and teaching, O Lord,
and may he, who was an outstanding preacher
of your truth,
be a devoted intercessor on our behalf.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
