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March 11, 2017"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," St. Peter told Jesus in answer to His question: "who do you say that I am" (Matt 16:15, 16 RSVCE). Jesus affirms that St. Peter has spoken correctly and that he has received this revelation from the Father. Clearly, St. Peter hears is hearing from God. Moments later, out of fear, he will rebuke Jesus and express his desire to prevent Jesus' passion prediction from coming true. Jesus responds: "Get behind me satan" (Matt 16:23). Clearly, in this instance, St. Peter is not hearing correctly. His brokenness and fears open him up to demonic influence.
This story opens our eyes to our own fragility, and the great importance of daily conversion, prayer and the celebration of the Sacraments. These disciplines, in addition to our Lenten resolutions, will help us to break away from slavery to sin and be yoked to Christ.