August 24, 2014 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 22: 19-23 Psalm 138 Romans 11: 33-36 Matthew 16: 13-20 But who do you say that I am? In Belize we are blessed with the wonderful outreach of “Hand in Hand Ministries”. They have their Belize City Office in our Diocesan Centre. One of their ministries is an outreach to children with HIV and AIDS, and they have built over 240 houses. I went out to bless one of those houses recently, and it was so clear that the family was filled with joy to have a place to call home. The shack next to the new house was falling apart. The man who lived there was hoping to get back his child from social services, who had take that child away since the place was not fit for habitation. This home was giving him back his dignity. Hand in Hand Ministries, beginning from the Catholic Social Teachings has worked with folks from many different churches to proclaim to this part of the world who Jesus is. Jesus first asked the general question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is? “ The disciples share all of the rumors that they had heard on the street: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, one of the other prophets. Those rumors were putting Jesus in some pretty esteemed company. Then more pointedly, “But who do you say that I am?” One can just imagine the thoughts going through his disciples’ heads after Jesus asked that question. We are following you, doesn’t that say something? You are our teacher and master and perhaps more. Simon Peter responds very precisely, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” While it may sound like Jesus is praising Simon Peter in his response, if one looks at that response more closely, it is God who is praised in these words. Simon Peter is recognized as blessed, but it is the Father who has blessed him and revealed to him the true identity of Jesus. Just as the Father has chosen to reveal this to Simon son of Jonah, so Jesus chooses him as Peter, the rock on which he will build his Church. Jesus recognizes the work of the Father and continues to build on that work. If we the Christians of our time are able to proclaim with Peter, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” how can we do that in our actions as much as in our words? One proclaims Jesus to be the Christ, the Anointed of God, when one lives according to the example of Christ. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and those in prison, we proclaim with Peter, “You are the Christ.” Gathering to praise God on Sundays with the people of God, we proclaim with Peter, “You are the Christ.” Taking time to care for the little ones by tutoring a student, helping them after school, or giving time to youth groups like Scouts, sports teams, and other organization we proclaim with Peter, “You are the Christ.” Giving time to prepare retreats like: Christ Renews his Parish, Marriage Encounter, Kairos, and Teens Encounter Christ we proclaim with Peter, “You are the Christ.” We proclaim Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God in the way that we live his teachings day by day. God of all wisdom, you built your Church on the rock solid foundation of your own inspiration to Peter to see in Jesus the promised Messiah. Continue to use your people enlightened by your Holy Spirit. Make us the living stones of a Church that proclaims your Word, Jesus the Christ. May that Word be proclaimed in our gathering to worship, and even more in the actions of our daily lives. We are your instruments. To you Lord be the glory and the honor and the power, forever and ever. Amen.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 22:00:30 +0000
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