Vatican City, Aug 24, 2014 / 07:52 am
During his Angelus address Sunday Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel account of Saint Peter's recognition of Jesus as the Lord, urging those present to honestly evaluate their own faith.
"Brothers and sisters, what happened in a unique way in Saint Peter, also takes place in every Christian who develops a sincere faith in Jesus the Christ," he told crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square on Aug. 24.
"Today's Gospel challenges each of us: How is your faith? Let each of us answer in our heart. How is your faith? How is it? What does the Lord find in our hearts: a firm heart, like a rock? Or a heart like sand, that is, doubtful, mistrustful, unbelieving?"
The Pope drew his remarks from Matthew 16:13-20, where St. Peter professes his faith by acknowledging Christ as the "Son of the Living God." Jesus responds by calling the apostle blessed, and telling him "that upon this rock, I will build my Church."