GOD’S RESTING PLACE
In the past year, I've been paying closer attention to how people introduce themselves to absolute strangers. I try to pay attention to "Hi, my name is ___" and the sentence that follows right after that.
Pre-COVID, we had gatherings in person. The way I introduced myself varies by the event or the people I was with. A pandemic brought us to Zoom and Clubhouse, and I found myself with the opportunity to connect regularly with people I've never met before from every corner of the world! I'm not Elon Musk. I can't just show my picture and expect the whole world to know who I am. Then I began to wonder, who am I?
In today's reading, we see the close interaction between Jesus and his disciples:
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter said in reply,
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock, I will build my Church."
At this moment, Simon discovered his God-given identity as Peter. He learned God's plan with him and through him (I see Jesus taking a very active role here. Jesus said that he will build his Church upon the rock [Peter]).
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to participate in a virtual silent retreat with Christus Ministries. A quote I brought to prayer was Julian of Norwich's quote, "our soul is made to be God's resting place."
Today, I meditate again about what it means to allow myself to be God's resting place. Jesus belongs to me, and I belong to him. I invite us to let our soul rest in God and to allow God to rest upon us today. What do you want to do with me and through me, Lord?
Lead us to the still waters, Lord. Lead us to Your presence.
Song Reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEUztyAdqGY
Gabriella Dominic
Photo credit: Unsplash