- Home
- Our Community
- Our Faith
- Our Ministries
- Parish Life
- Bulletin
- Contact Us
- Search
Gospel Meditations
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
| First Reading: | Isaiah 22:19-23 | |
| Second Reading: | Romans 11:33-36 | |
| Gospel: | Matthew 16.13-20 – Peter Declares that Jesus is the Messiah |
Who Do You Say That I Am?
Who is Jesus Christ? In today's Gospel, Jesus poses this significant question to His disciples. Having traveled with our Lord, witnessing His ministry to people for quite some time, observing His miracles, and listening to His teachings, the disciples were in a unique position to answer. Jesus asks, "Who do people say that I am?" They offer various opinions, reflecting the Israelites' comparisons of Jesus to different individuals. Then, Jesus poses the crucial query, "Who do you say that I am?”
This question ultimately holds paramount significance. It disregards the opinions and beliefs of others regarding the person of Christ. When confronted with this inquiry, we may consider the teachings of renowned saints and their insights on the identity of Jesus or rely on the lessons imparted to us. Nevertheless, in the end, Jesus directly asks us today about our personal perception of Him. It is our individual relationship with Jesus and how we define His significance in our lives that shapes our discipleship.
Jesus is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God, our savior, redeemer, and friend, just as He was to Peter. As such, Jesus reveals our purpose to us. Our task is to actively contribute to the growth of the church. This responsibility is bestowed upon us as stewards. Jesus instructs Peter that he will serve as the foundation upon which He will build His church, a community whose members may possess weaknesses but find strength through their relationship with Christ. Let us take a moment this week to contemplate the significance of Jesus in our lives. What are we doing to help nurture the Body of Christ? What gifts are we offering for the sake of building up the Church?
Summary
When contemplating Jesus Christ, who is He to you personally? Reflecting upon our answer to this question and our individual relationship with Jesus holds great significance as we embrace the responsibility of stewardship. Let us take a moment this week to contemplate the significance of Jesus in our lives. What are we doing to nurture the Body of Christ? What gifts are we offering for the sake of building up the Church?
