First Reading (1 Peter 5:1-4)
Reading from the First Letter of Saint Peter.
Beloved, I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and sharer of the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of the flock of God that is entrusted to you, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly. Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
– The word of the Lord.
– Thanks be to God.
Gospel (Mt 16:13-19)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, Jesus went to the region of Caesarea Philippi and there he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
— The Gospel of the Lord.
— Praise to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, I bring you a message that connects us directly with the daily experiences we live. A message that, through stories and metaphors, will make tangible and applicable the spiritual truths contained in the biblical passages of the First Reading from the First Letter of Peter (1 Peter 5:1-4) and the Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 16:13-19).
Imagine yourself sailing on a stormy sea, facing violent waves and relentless winds. The cold, salty water splashes on your face as you struggle to stay on course. In this stormy scenario, you feel lonely and helpless. But suddenly, an outstretched hand appears, offering security and direction. It is the hand of Jesus.
Just like Peter, who experienced this scene on the Sea of Galilee, we are called to recognize the presence of Jesus in our lives. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They respond with the popular opinions of the time. But then Jesus asks them the most important question: “But who do you say I am?” Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, answers: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
This profession of faith by Peter is the rock upon which Jesus will build his Church. And it is also a profession of faith that each of us is called to make. Jesus is not just a historical figure or a wise leader. He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save us.
But like Peter, we are often tempted to doubt or deny this fundamental truth. We may be influenced by popular opinions, by voices that tell us that faith is outdated or irrelevant. We may feel like ships adrift in a stormy sea, struggling to maintain our faith amid the adversities of life.
However, Jesus reminds us that he is the unshakeable rock in whom we can trust. He is the outstretched hand that guides and sustains us even in the most difficult times. He is the answer to life’s fundamental question: Who is Jesus to you?
Today, I want to share with you the story of an eagle. The eagle is known for its keen vision and its ability to soar to great heights. But for some reason, this particular eagle was afraid to fly. It preferred to stay on the ground, surrounded by chickens, rather than face the unknown of the sky.
One day, a wise man found this eagle and said to it: “You were created to soar to great heights, to explore the skies and experience freedom. You were not made to live like a chicken.” The eagle, though hesitant, began to look up at the sky with longing. It felt the call of the heights and decided to face its fear.
Over time, the eagle began to flap its wings and rise into the air. It discovered a new dimension of freedom and purpose. It was no longer a chicken, confined to the ground, but an eagle, made to soar to great heights.
My brothers and sisters, just like this eagle, we are called to soar to great heights of faith. We are called to rise above the limitations and fears that keep us grounded. We are called to recognize the truth of the Gospel and boldly proclaim Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
But how can we do this? How can we soar to great heights of faith amid life’s challenges? Let me share with you three fundamental principles that we find in today’s readings.
The first principle is that of humility. In the First Reading, Peter urges the elders to shepherd the flock of God with humility. Humility is the recognition that we depend on God in all things. Just as the eagle depends on air currents to sustain it in flight, we depend on God’s grace to sustain us in our spiritual journey.
Humility reminds us that we are not the center of the universe, but rather fragile and limited creatures, dependent on God’s love and mercy. It teaches us to trust in God rather than in our own wisdom and strength. When we cultivate humility, we make room for God to work in us and through us.
The second principle is that of spiritual authority. Jesus says to Peter in the Gospel of Matthew: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” These words reveal the authority that Jesus gave to Peter as the leader of the Church. This authority is not based on power or domination, but on service and love.
Just as Peter was called to shepherd the flock of God, we are called to exercise spiritual authority in our lives and communities. This means leading by example, caring for the needy, guiding others on the path of truth and holiness. When we exercise spiritual authority with love and humility, we become instruments in the hands of God to transform lives and establish his kingdom on earth.
The third principle is that of identity in Christ. Peter was called by Jesus to be the rock upon which the Church would be built. Likewise, each of us has a unique identity in Christ. We are beloved sons and daughters of God, called to a specific mission in this world.
But just as the eagle needed to discover its true identity in order to fly, we also need to discover who we are in Christ. This requires a sincere and ongoing search for intimacy with God. We need to draw near to him in prayer, study his Word, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we know our identity in Christ, we are empowered to live a full and meaningful life, fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.
My brothers and sisters, today we are challenged to soar to great heights of faith. We are called to leave behind the fears and limitations that keep us grounded and to embrace the truth of the Gospel. May we cultivate humility, exercise spiritual authority with love, and discover our true identity in Christ.
As we conclude this homily, I invite you to reflect on the truths that have been shared. How are you responding to Jesus’ question: “Who do you say I am?” Do you recognize Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God? Are you living according to this truth in your daily life?
May the Holy Spirit enlighten your hearts and guide you on the path of faith. May God strengthen your confidence in him and empower you to soar to great heights of faith. May you be living witnesses of God’s love and grace in all areas of your lives.
May the peace of Christ be with you always. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
