CC24 ….OFFICIAL GUARANTEE
The Lord, Jesus Christ guaranteed that “the gates of hell shall NEVER prevail against it.” (Mt.16:18) It is precisely because HE established the Church on a visible and permanent foundation-rock; ROCK – PETER
Indeed the MASTER, Wisdom itself, built His house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the flood waters came, and the strong winds blew and beat upon that house….but it did not fall, because it had been FOUNDED on the rock. (Mt, 24:25)
Where can one find the relevant Gospel Text ?
It is St.Matthew who records this fundamental event:
· “When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples: “Who, do men say that the Son of Man is ?”
And they said: “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them: ”But, who do you say that I am ?”
Simon Peter replied: “ You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
…and Jesus answered him:
“Blessed are you, Simon Bar – Jonah!*** For flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you:
You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall NOT prevail against it.
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be lossed in Heaven.” (Mt.16:14) /CC 25
*** Do take note of a very important fact:
Jesus was at the moment addressing Simon, ‘Bar’, which means ‘Son of’, ….so Jesus was addressing Simon the fisherman…flesh and blood of his natural father Jonah, till that moment. Then, comes the promotion…’You are Peter’, which means from now onwards you will be acting as my representative, you are no more ‘Simon son of Jonah. That is why the study of Scripture is so wonderful…it is a real Treasure Chest. (Personal Note)
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