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First Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23
Responsorial: Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8
Second Reading: Romans 11:33-36
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082320.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/
My brothers and sisters, once again, Holy Mother Church has curated for us an interesting set of readings so filled with meaning that we could easily go off in at least a dozen different directions! But today, I’d like to build on our theme from last weekend, about people who are coming to churches to pray even though they may not be interested or ready to become regulars again.
People are coming – they are coming to churches and chapels to pray, and they are participating in devotions like the rosary online or through social media. But there might be something holding them back from entering into full reconciliation. Maybe they aren’t sure how to begin. Perhaps they’re embarrassed because so much time has passed since they were last here. Or maybe they are still hurt and upset about the clergy sex abuse and cover-up scandal.
What can we do?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks the disciples who they think he is. Simon correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, and for that, Jesus calls him “rock” and says he will build his church on Peter the rock.
That’s awesome!
In this short scene, we see the foundation of the Church, the primacy of Peter, who we consider the first pope, and the authority of the Church to bind the people through its teachings. Indeed, the Catholic line of thought is that in this passage from Matthew, we find one of the bases for the sacrament of reconciliation. Whatever Peter (and his successors) bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever he forgives will be forgiven. Period.
Unfortunately, the Gospel proclamation ends a little early. We will hear the rest of this passage next Sunday. But I want to look ahead just for a minute. In the very next part of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus explains that he must suffer. Peter pulls Jesus aside to scold him. “Don’t talk like that!” What is Jesus’ response? “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23).
I think it’s important to consider this with today’s Gospel because Peter has had a rough month! Jesus invites him to walk on water, but Peter sinks. Jesus says, “You man of little faith…” (Mt 14:31). Today, Jesus compliments Simon and calls him “Peter” or rock. Next weekend, Jesus will call him Satan! Isn’t that interesting?
What does that tell you?
It tells me that Jesus entrusted his Church to fallible and sinful people. Let’s face it – when the Church fails, she fails spectacularly. And yet, the Church persists. Why? Well, the success of the Church is not dependent on sinful humans. The Church prevails in time and space solely by the will of God! That’s important to remember.
When people come back to church, we need to remember that they might be hesitant or they might express anger, uncertainty, or frustration. Whatever the reasons why they left, it’s ok to remember that while God’s Kingdom is perfect, the Church isn’t. It’s ok to apologize for shortcomings on behalf of the Church and to invite them back in. Like Peter, our bishops – our leaders need a little help. If you stand outside the community, how can you help? Better to come home, roll up your sleeves, and help make this a better place for all of God’s people. The Church need the expertise of the laity. Our shared experiences – the good and the bad – will help our leaders guide the Church through these tumultuous times.
In an ever-changing world where nothing seems sacred, the Church stands as a public symbol of faith. The Church calls people outside themselves to something bigger than this world. The Church invites people to have an encounter with Jesus Christ. But you and I cannot minimize our role in helping the Church to reach out to those who are hurting – those who are scared – those who need a word of comfort and peace now more than ever. Are you ready?
Homework! Nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, I encourage you to reflect on the following two questions this week:
- Am I ready to welcome people back to church without judgment?
- How can I help my pastor and my bishop?
I think doing our homework today helps clarify our mission as missionary disciples. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!
Image Credit: Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Artist Unknown. JPEG file. Creative Commons. Unported license.
References:
1. Hahn, Scott W. and Curtis Mitch. Romans. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academics, 2017. Kindle.
2. Mitch, Curtis and Edward Sri. The Gospel of Matthew. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2010. Kindle.
3. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.
Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Grace of faith, 153
2. Christ the builder of the Church, 424
3. Christ the divine Son, 441-45
4. The Keys of the Kingdom, 551-53
5. Primacy of Peter, 552
6. Power of binding and loosing, 553, 1444
7. Peter the first Pope, 800-82
8. Foundations of unity: the college of bishops with its head, the successor of Peter, 880-87
9. Prayer of praise, 2639, 2649
10. Doxology, 2641
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082320.cfm
Lectionary: 121
Reading 1
Isaiah 22:19-23
Thus says the LORD to Shebna, master of the palace:
“I will thrust you from your office
and pull you down from your station.
On that day I will summon my servant
Eliakim, son of Hilkiah;
I will clothe him with your robe,
and gird him with your sash,
and give over to him your authority.
He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
and to the house of Judah.
I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder;
when he opens, no one shall shut
when he shuts, no one shall open.
I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot,
to be a place of honor for his family.”
Responsorial
Psalm 138:1-3, 6, 8
R. (8bc) Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple.
R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
I will give thanks to your name,
because of your kindness and your truth:
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.
R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
Reading II
Romans 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord
or who has been his counselor?
Or who has given the Lord anything
that he may be repaid?
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be glory forever. Amen.
Alleluia Matthew 16:18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 16:13-20
Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and
he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply,
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Then he strictly ordered his disciples
to tell no one that he was the Christ.
