Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 22-23, 2026

  During the time of Jesus, there were many individuals who called themselves messiah; there were also many isolated groups, detached from the Temple prescriptions, that searched for a messiah to guide them either as a religious or a political leader. Thus, the question Jesus asks of his disciples at Caesarea Philippi has context: "Who do people say that the Son of Man is? Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13--15). Jesus does not look for any type of political recognition, rather, a profession of faith. Faith in Jesus requires faith in his words and works throughout his life, especially in his death and resurrection. The first to respond to Jesus' question is Peter, perhaps on the behalf of the other disciples. Hearing his response, Jesus tells Peter that he is the rock upon whom Christ will build the Church. His profession of faith is our profession of faith and that of many other Christians who, throughout the centuries, have shed their blood in witness to the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and the savior of the world. Today, we hear about the persecution of Christians in the Middle East in the news, but we cannot understand it fully since we do not experience it ourselves. Nonetheless, we carry an immense responsibility as Christians to be strong examples in times when the Church is under scrutiny and criticism. Aware of our call to forgiveness and reconciliation, how do we respond to this challenge today?

(This reflection is from www.liturgy.com subscription service)