Sunday Readings for August 22-23, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
By Fr. Edward Looney | For On Mission
In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus asks Peter the question that will forever shape the Church: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:15). Peter’s response prompts Jesus to give him authority, forming what we know today as the papacy. But why does Jesus have to ask this question? Two weekends ago, after Peter walked on water and then sank and was saved, the Gospel ended stating those in the boat rendered him homage, acclaiming that “truly you are the son of God” (Mt 14:33). Peter was in the boat and, along with the others, had already made this declaration, so why now? Why again?
As Jesus was going about his public ministry, many people acknowledged him as Lord or Savior. They knew him as a teacher and a healer. The apostles all witnessed this. They heard the crowds acclaim him. And yet, Jesus asks the question anyway. Peter definitively declares who Jesus is, even though he would deny knowing him during the Passion.
Why the question? Jesus asks it knowing what Peter’s answer will be, so he asks to lay the groundwork for the Church after his death and Resurrection. But maybe there are a few other reasons.
Peter will go on to deny Jesus three times during the Passion. Peter needs this moment when he makes this declaration, so in those moments of despair, he could return to knowing that Jesus knew what he believed and professed. His future denial does not mean he did not mean what he said previously; rather, it indicates how fear and weakness can overpower what we truly believe. After all, we tell the Lord we love him, and yet we still sin. We are like Peter, and like him, we rest in knowing that we do love the Lord, and because of who he is, we need him even more in our weakest moments.
Jesus makes the question very personal, “Who do YOU say that I am?” This was also a moment for Peter to not just go along with the crowds but to make this personal statement of belief. Previously, they have acclaimed him as Lord in a moment of amazement and wonder. Having seen and witnessed the events of Jesus’ ministry, Peter now makes a personal profession of faith.
Jesus asks Peter this famous question so that he would not forget the answer. It is a question that resounds throughout all of time. And now, it’s a question posed to us. Like Peter, we know the answer. We’ve heard the answer in religious education classes or at Mass. But instead of going along with the crowds, today, we make a similar personal profession, so that we will always remember who Jesus is to us and be able to recall it in some of the most difficult moments of life.
Who do you say that Jesus is?
I hope you will be able to confidently proclaim with Peter that he is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world.
The readings for Sunday, August 23, can be found at Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB.