Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Peter Damian (circa 1007 - 21 or 22 February 1072 or 1073), a Benedictine Monk and a Cardinal who was later declared a Doctor of the Church (1828). Peter's childhood was not an easy one. He was orphaned at an early age and then raised by a number of his elder siblings until one of them agreed to provide an education for him.
Peter was an important figure in a time when the Church was in great need of reform. At such a time which called for change, Peter encouraged the followers of Jesus to go back to their own roots, to examine their own willingness to be faithful to the call to discipleship. In the words of the evangelist Mark, we might say that it was critical to Peter Damian that Christ's followers ask themselves the same question that Christ himself asked of the disciples: Who do you say I am? (Mk 8:29).
Inspired by the example of Saint Peter Damian, let us seek today to be faithful followers of our divine master. Let us begin our day by asking ourselves: Who do I say that the son of man is? ... and how does my answer to that question determine the extent of my commitment to following him?
Have a great day.
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