21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 22:19-23 Romans 11:33-36 Matthew 16:13-20
Being a disciple of the Lord entails having Faith, a gift given to us by God. As we read through the Scriptures we come across many levels of Faith and many manners in which that Faith is expressed. In our recent Sunday Gospel readings we have heard Saint Peter described by Jesus as a ‘man of little Faith’ and the Canaanite woman, having her needs met because of what Jesus calls her own ‘great Faith’. Of course, our Faith is related to how well we know the Lord and the relationship we have with the Lord.
In the Gospel of today’s Mass the Lord is questioning how well his disciples know him. Jesus caught his disciples unawares. They were not expecting such a soul-searching question: ‘Who do people say that I am?’ We can imagine them playing for time in order to come up with a profound answer. Simon Peter, the leader, attempts to provide a suitable reply: “Some say ‘John the Baptist.’” Jesus would have been pleased to be associated with John. He was, after all, the one who had prepared the way for him, he was his cousin and the first one to recognise him as the Son of God.
Elijah, the Prophet was regarded as the great priest of the Old Testament, the one who was anointed to mediate between God and God’s people. That is what Jesus saw himself as called to be. Jeremiah and the prophets of old were the ones who had been chosen by God to speak God’s word down through the ages. Jesus had come into the world as the Word of God, made flesh.
Peter’s reply would have pleased the Lord but He had a more searching question: ‘But, YOU, who do YOU say that I am?’ Peter summed up the three great religious roles of Priest, Prophet and King in one word: ‘You are the Christ’. Now, it seems that Jesus, himself was caught unawares. Surprised that Peter could know this, Jesus confirmed that it could not have come from Peter’s parents or ancestors: “Only God could have revealed this to you!” – You have received a great gift, the gift of Faith!
Then the Lord gives Simon a new name, Peter, rock. When we name someone or something we claim a certain ownership and expectation of that person or object. The names we give children at Baptism can express a sacred identification and a lofty expectation. Jesus named Peter to be the rock on which His Church would be built.
Today’s Gospel is prompting us to answer the Lord’s question: Who do YOU say that I am? Only YOU can answer! But perhaps we may answer with; You are the God who loves me unreservedly; the One who is always present to me; the One who lifts me up and gives me hope; the Way the Truth and the Life. Having expressed our Faith in the Lord, he gives us, like he gave Peter, a new name. The name, the identification is Christian. And, as Peter was called to be the Rock on which the Church would be built we are called to bear our new name, Christian to the world. The early Christians called themselves ‘Those over whom the name of Jesus has been called.’ Even though we have our individual name the name of Jesus has called over us and we have become His. To him be glory for ever! Amen (Rom 11:36)