God’s Power at Work in Us

HOMILY: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 16:13-20

27 August 2023 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Who is Jesus for us? Who do we say Christ is for us? What kind of relationship do we have with Jesus? In the past, children were taught about God, by introducing to… “PAPA JESUS”. “Pray to Papa Jesus.” “Say, Thank you, Papa Jesus.” Is it still the same now? This is a bit confusing actually… Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity. He is God the Son. God the Father is the First Person. They are not the same. He cannot be Father and Son at the same time.

I’m sure we relate with various images of Jesus at different stages of our life.  Children are more likely to be drawn to the Sto. Nino more than the image of the crucified Christ because they see themselves in the round cheeks, and chubby little arms and legs of the Christ Child. Those who are suffering major trials may identify with the Nazareno who is bent over by the weight of the Cross. Those who survive a life-threatening experience may be drawn towards the image of the Risen Christ. We can also associate Jesus with images of people we need. There are probably occasions where we perceive Christ as a reliable friend who is always there for us in good and bad times. Perhaps He is the image of an advocate for the disadvantaged when we struggle with being a victim of certain injustices in society. At other times, Christ is more of a peacemaker when we see the great need for reconciliation among people around us. These images of Christ reflect our various human experiences. When we see our humanity in Him, we feel He is closer to us; He understands us. 

In the gospel passage this Sunday, Jesus seemingly appears to be conducting an opinion survey about His identity. The disciples initially give a report of how they’ve heard other people identify Jesus. However, Jesus directs the question to them: “Who do YOU say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Jesus’ question is actually a test of faith. He wanted to know if His disciples’ close association with Him finally opened their eyes to His divine nature. Peter, naturally, steps up. He is Christ’s biggest fan. If Jesus were a member of the BTS, Peter would most likely be the leader of the Purple Army. He is also the one who seeks the limelight  among the group. Wasn’t he the one who challenged Jesus by saying, “Lord, if that’s you, ask me to walk on water.” (Matthew 14:28) In the Transfiguration, Peter said, “Lord it is good that we are here. Let us not go down!” (Matthew 17:4) And as he dissuades Jesus from the Passion he will be told: “Get behind me Satan.” (Matthew 16:23) There were many occasions he got things wrong. This time, however, he got it right! Jesus says, “Blessed are you for my Father has revealed this to you.” (Matthew 16:17)

The question Jesus poses reveals something deeper than the expected answers. Jesus is indirectly telling them that by being His followers they participate in His identity as children of God as well as in His saving mission. Hence, the question hints at who we need to be. Peter was far from perfect yet Jesus chose him as the foundation on which to build the Church; to him he gave the keys to His kingdom and the power to do things on earth that would be honored by heaven. To be identified with Jesus is always a challenge for us flawed and imperfect human beings. And so today, we see many among us, especially priests and consecrated persons who are severely criticised, accused of hypocrisy, and persecuted in many places and in different fronts.  Like Peter we all struggle with being true to our identity as Christians. We are consoled that when we look at Jesus’ selection of Peter and the other disciples, we see how God’s power works through our human imperfections. In the Second Reading (Romans 11:33-36), St. Paul tells us, no one knows the mind of God. His choices may not seem logical to our human understanding but in the end they bring about His greater glory. 

The other day, I was called to anoint a very sick lady whom the family thought was going to die soon. Just yesterday, the lady’s sister  came to the parish office to report that her sister got stronger and that she was walking again. I was surprised because I am not known as a ‘Healing Priest’. I was amazed and humbled how the power of God worked through a weak and flawed minister like me. Don’t be surprised if God seems to have chosen you for things you never imagined or for responsibilities you can’t seem to handle. God knows best. Trust and persevere. We are all works in progress and God is working great things through each and every one of us. 

Let us pray then that we may remain true to who we are as Christians! May we as a Church make manifest Our Lord Jesus as the Christ and the Son of the Living God among our brothers and sisters!