THE RISEN JESUS AND THE POPE
“The Lord has been raised! It is true! He has appeared to Simon [Peter].” –Luke 24:34
Mass Readings: April 19
First: Acts 3:1-10; Resp: Psalm 105:1-4,6-9; Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
The Holy Spirit inspired the authors of Scripture to testify that the risen Jesus appeared especially to St. Peter (also known in the New Testament as Simon, Simon Peter, Cephas, and Kephas) before appearing to the entire group of apostles. St. Paul also makes a special reference “that He was seen by Cephas, then by the Twelve” (1 Cor 15:5). These, and other references, give evidence to the primacy of Peter.
At the Last Supper, Jesus told Peter that Satan had specifically demanded to put Peter and the apostles to a stern trial (see Lk 22:31ff). Jesus told Peter that it would be His role to strengthen the other apostles (Lk 22:32).
According to the above testimony of St. Luke and St. Paul, Jesus appeared personally to Peter after rising from the dead, and only then did He appear to the remaining disciples. Jesus has especially chosen Peter, and his successors the popes, and He gives them special graces, charisms, and callings. To come closer to the risen Jesus, draw closer to St. Peter and the Popes. Read and obey what the Popes teach.
PRAYER: Father, may I live every element of Your plan for me in full.
PROMISE: “They had come to know Him in the breaking of bread.” –Lk 24:35
PRAISE: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it” (Ps 118:24). Alleluia!
