First reading 1 Peter 5:1-4
Watch over the flock, not simply as a duty but gladly
Now I have something to tell your elders: I am an elder myself, and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, and with you I have a share in the glory that is to be revealed. Be the shepherds of the flock of God that is entrusted to you: watch over it, not simply as a duty but gladly, because God wants it; not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it. Never be a dictator over any group that is put in your charge, but be an example that the whole flock can follow. When the chief shepherd appears, you will be given the crown of unfading glory.
Responsorial Psalm 22(23)
The Lord is my shepherd: there is nothing I shall want.
The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me,
to revive my drooping spirit.
He guides me along the right path;
he is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness
no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff;
with these you give me comfort.
You have prepared a banquet for me
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil;
my cup is overflowing.
Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell
for ever and ever.
Gospel Matthew 16:13-19
You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’
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‘Who do you say I am?’
Jesus had already been living with the disciples for some time, going around the towns preaching and healing the sick. He wanted to know how people understood who He was and His mission. Thus, He asked his disciples: ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ For some, Jesus was a prophet who spoke God’s words and performed great signs. Some others thought He was Elijah who was expected to return. But Jesus was more concerned with knowing who He was for His disciples. Therefore, He asked them: ‘You, who do you say I am?’
Today, He also asks us directly: ‘Who am I for you?’ Jesus does not want us to give Him theoretical answers. But He wants us to look at our lives, recognise who He really is in our daily lives and what role He plays in our decisions and choices. Is Jesus the companion of our life to whom we constantly refer to? If He truly is, we can then say, like Peter: You are the Christ, my Lord and God!
Reflective question?
What is my answer to Jesus’ question?
What is my answer to Jesus’ question?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
