Reflect today on the fact that God invites you to live a new life of grace in Him

Da Paolo Tessione - January 17, 2021

Then he brought it to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, son of John; you will be called Cephas ”, which is translated Peter. John 1:42

In this passage, the apostle Andrew takes his brother Simon to Jesus after telling Simon that he has found the Messiah. Jesus immediately receives them both as apostles and then reveals to Simon that his identity will now be changed. Now it will be called Cephas. "Cephas" is an Aramaic word which means "rock". In English, this name is usually translated as "Peter".

When someone is given a new name, this often means that they are also given a new mission and a new calling in life. For example, in the Christian tradition, we receive new names at baptism or confirmation. Furthermore, when a man or woman becomes a monk or nun, they are often given a new name to indicate the new life they are called to live.

Simon is given the new name of "Rock" because Jesus intends to make him the foundation of his future church. This name change reveals that Simon must become a new creation in Christ to fulfill his high calling.

So it is with each of us. No, we may not be called to be the next pope or a bishop, but each of us is called to become new creations in Christ and live new lives by fulfilling new missions. And, in a sense, this newness of life has to happen every day. We must strive every day to fulfill the mission that Jesus gives us in a new way every day.

Reflect today on the fact that God invites you to live a new life of grace in Him. He has a new mission to accomplish daily and He promises to give you everything you need to live it. Say "Yes" to the call he gives you and you will see amazing things happen in your life.

Lord Jesus, I say "Yes" to You and to the call you have given me. I accept the new life of grace you have prepared for me and gladly accept your gracious invitation. Help me, dear Lord, to respond daily to the glorious vocation to the life of grace that has been given to me. Jesus I believe in you.