WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM

August 7, 2025 Thursday within the 18th week in Ordinary Time: Year C Matthew 16:13–23 In today’s gospel we witness a pivotal moment in Peter’s spiritual journey—a moment that reveals both the heights of divine revelation and the depths of human weakness. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?”, Peter steps forward with bold faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This confession is not born of human insight, but of divine grace, as Jesus affirms: “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” It is upon this confession of faith that Jesus begins to build His Church, entrusting Peter with a foundational role in God’s plan. But Peter’s journey doesn’t stop there—it’s only beginning. Immediately after his great confession, Peter stumbles. When Jesus speaks of His coming suffering and death, Peter rebukes Him—unable to reconcile the idea of a suffering Messiah. Jesus then utters the sobering words: “Get behind me, Satan.” This sharp contrast reveals the tension within every disciple: the desire to follow Jesus, yet the reluctance to embrace the Cross. Peter’s error was not in loving Jesus too little, but in loving Him without understanding the cost of that love. Like many of us, Peter wanted glory without pain, victory without sacrifice. But Jesus invites him—and us—into a deeper transformation, one that comes through suffering, surrender, and spiritual growth. Peter’s journey is ultimately one of transformation—from a man who feared suffering to a man who would later embrace martyrdom. His courage didn’t come from his own strength, but from a relationship with the risen Christ. From confession came calling; from failure came formation. Jesus never gave up on Peter, even when Peter denied Him. Instead, He patiently shaped him into the rock upon which the Church would stand. So too, we are called from confession to courage—from acknowledging who Jesus is to living boldly for Him. This journey is not always easy, but it is filled with grace. For every step we take closer to the Cross, Christ draws us deeper into His love and mission. Blessings Fr. Jhack