- 21st Sunday in Ordinary TimeReadings: Isaiah 22:19–23; Psalm 137(138): 1–3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33–36; Matthew 16:13–20
Today’s readings lead us to contemplate the Church as God’s own work, founded upon the truth of Jesus Christ and sustained by His eternal love. Isaiah speaks of Eliakim receiving “the key of the house of David,” an image that finds its fulfilment when Jesus entrusts Peter with “the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” Yet before receiving this mission, Peter makes the confession upon which everything rests: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The Church is not founded primarily upon Peter’s human qualities, but upon the divine truth about Christ that Peter, enlightened by the Father, professes. Peter’s ministry exists precisely to preserve, strengthen, and serve this faith and the unity that flows from it. This is why Jesus can say, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” The Psalm gives us confidence that the Lord will not abandon the work of His hands; the Church belongs to Him before she belongs to us, and His faithful love sustains her despite human weakness. Saint Paul takes us even deeper: “All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him.” This must become the motive of every ministry and every Christian life. The Church does not exist for herself, nor do we live our vocation for ourselves: everything comes from God, is sustained by God, and must ultimately lead back to God. When Christ remains the truth we proclaim, Peter serves the unity of that faith, and the glory of God remains our motive, the Church can confidently continue her mission, knowing that the One who began His work will never abandon it. Let’s reflect: Is my faith firmly founded on the truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and do I live my vocation remembering that everything comes from Him, exists through Him, and must ultimately be for His glory?
Don Giorgio