Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
After that, Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi. He asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They said, “For some of them, you are John the Baptist; for others Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”
Jesus asked them, “But you, who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “It is well for you, Simon Barjona, for it is not flesh or blood that has revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And now I say to you: You are Peter; and on this Rock I will build my Church; and never will the powers of death overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you unbind on earth shall be unbound in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Read: In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah pronounces judgment on the palace master, indicating that the faithful Eliakim will take his place. Meanwhile, Paul praises the wisdom of God’s plan for salvation in the second reading. This culminates in the gospel reading, where Simon proclaims Jesus as the “Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” In response, Jesus renamed Simon to “Peter,” the “rock” on which the Lord built His Church.
Reflect: Today’s gospel reading highlights the beginning of the Church. From the very words of Jesus, we understand that the Church belongs to the Lord, who is also its builder. What is our role then? We belong to this Church of Christ, and together with Peter, we help build it up. Since Peter is the rock, we are like the other stones and pebbles. As such, let us allow the Lord, the Master Builder, to work with us and through us. Let us ask ourselves: How am I helping to build up the Church of Christ? We must remember that no matter how small a stone we are, the Lord can still use us to create something beautiful.
Pray: Pray for the Church's leaders and ministers, that they may stay faithful to its Master.
Act: Volunteer! Become an active member of your community.
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