No More Caesars

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Gn 9:1-13; Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23; Mk 8:27-33
Notes: The region of Caesarea Philippi was considered a place of religious observances by Greek and Roman alike. It was so named by Herod Philip (son of Herod the Great). Caesar Philip is its meaning.

Jesus, meek and mild, goes there and sets his example in contrast to the kingdoms and religions of the world.

• Not the deities of the Greek pantheon.
• Not the powerful of the Roman Caesars.
• Not the civil royalty of the Jews (non-davidic).

Jesus, Messiah, meek and mild.

He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly.

God is not at war with us.
He has set his bow in the clouds.
He has come to save us.

A geography of Caesarea Philippi can be found here: https://www.bibleplaces.com/caesarea-philippi-banias/

First reading
I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

Responsorial Psalm
From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.

Alleluia Verse
Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life (Jn 6:63c, 68c).

Gospel Portion
Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi.

“But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry