Paul, always a man who would stand for what he believed, shares with his readers and hearers a moment of encounter with Peter also called Cephas. Paul states very clearly in the letter to the Galatians that he believed that Peter was wrong. He would not dine with the non-Jewish people. These were the Gentiles. Peter had fallen victim that that universal problem of life: not being strong enough to stand up against those one believes to be wrong.
Some would call this exclusion. Others would point to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles that were contained in the gospels. Were not all called to be one, especially those who accepted the calling? And don't we encounter the same experiences today? Surely we know Catholics who speak out against some of the Church's teachings. For some it is truly a cross because there is a spirit of conviction in their hearts about some matters of faith and morals. Have we not encountered those who seek approval and acceptance regardless of any other presentation? How difficult it is for us to see people not receiving the Eucharist, the very body and blood of Jesus Christ because they are confronted by leaders who maintain what I would hear said when I was a child: "not tickee, no shirtee." Again this example and many others bring us to the reality of accepting what the Church teaches. Some what away from it in anger or hurt. However, how much more can be done if there were greater discussions and much prayer.
Perhaps today's gospel event, the disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to pray, might be a signal to us that when we are confronted by an issue or several difficult issues in our faith we should be like the apostles and pray the prayer that Jesus taught them. Resolution will only come when study and reflection followed by honest discussion have taken place. Doesn't it seem that in our times there is this need for my prayer, reflection and study?
