Universal Utterings

for February 22, 2025

A Godcast

UniversalUtterings.Com

02-22-25 Matthew 16 v1519 Upon this Rock I Will Build My Church

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The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 16 V- 15 and 19

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 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. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

In Matthew 16:15-19, Jesus poses a pivotal question to His disciples: "But what about you? Who do you say I am?" Peter responds affirmatively, declaring Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This profound confession is met with Jesus’ profound response, where He recognizes Peter's insight as divinely revealed. He then states, "You are Peter, and on this Rock I will build my Church," marking a foundational moment in Christian history.

The significance of this passage lies in Jesus’ intentional choice of Peter as the Rock upon which He would build His Church. By naming Peter as the Rock, Jesus establishes a clear leadership role within His followers. This act transcends mere acknowledgment of Peter’s faith; it signals the birth of the Church itself and the establishment of a visible, authoritative community of believers.

Jesus further commissions Peter as the first Vicar of Christ, empowering him with the "keys of the kingdom of heaven." This imagery conveys not only authority but also responsibility in guiding the faithful. The term "Vicar" implies a representative, emphasizing that Peter’s role is to act on behalf of Christ, preserving the teachings and integrity of faith.

The Catholic Church sees this moment as the inception of apostolic succession, where the authority given to Peter is passed down through the bishops of the Church. This unbroken line signifies continuity in teaching and governance, ensuring that Christ’s message remains intact. Therefore, the Catholic Church was created not merely as a community but as a divinely instituted structure underpinned by Peter’s leadership, destined to carry forth the mission of Christ on Earth.

In essence, knowing Peter’s role as the rock instills in us a profound appreciation for the Church’s foundations and its enduring mission to guide humanity towards salvation. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,

Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®

Ephesians 6:17-20

02-22-2025 Matthew 16 v1519

**Upon this Rock I Will Build My Church**

In a quiet place, the questions arise,

"Who do you say I am?"—beneath the skies.

With boldness, Peter speaks, heart aglow,

"You are the Christ, the truth we must know.

Upon this rock, the Savior proclaimed,

A Church would arise, united, unashamed.

Peter, the keeper of faith’s sacred keys,

Guiding the flock like a gentle breeze.

Vicar of Christ, entrusted with grace,

In shadows and light, he’d lead the race.

A lineage built on a promise divine,

Through trials and triumphs, the truth will entwine.

For generations hence, the Spirit will guide,

In the heart of the Church, where love will abide.

With faith as its cornerstone, forever it stands,

A testament of unity, across distant lands.

So let us remember this moment so grand,

Where Christ built His Church with a wise, steady hand.

Together we journey, through joy and through strife,

On the rock of Peter, we find our true Christ. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

February 22, 2025 @ 04:44 AM EST

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