Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 27, 2017
Psalm 138
1Of David himself. O Lord, I will confess to you with my whole heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth. I will sing psalms to you in the sight of the Angels2I will adore before your holy temple, and I will confess your name: it is above your mercy and your truth. For you have magnified your holy name above all3On whatever day that I will call upon you: hear me. You will multiply virtue in my soul4May all the kings of the earth confess to you, O Lord. For they have heard all the words of your mouth5And let them sing in accordance with the ways of the Lord. For great is the glory of the Lord6For the Lord is exalted, and he looks with favor on the humble. But the lofty he knows from a distance7If I wander into the midst of tribulation, you will revive me. For you extended your hand against the wrath of my enemies. And your right hand has accomplished my salvation8The Lord will provide retribution on my behalf. O Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not disdain the works of your hands
Second Reading: Romans 11.33-36
33Oh, the depths of the richness of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how unsearchable are his ways34For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor35Or who first gave to him, so that repayment would be owed36For from him, and through him, and in him are all things. To him is glory, for all eternity. Amen
Gospel: Matthew 16.13-20
13Then Jesus went into parts of Caesarea Philippi. And he questioned his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?14And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, still others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.15Jesus said to them, "But who do you say that I am?16Simon Peter responded by saying, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.17And in response, Jesus said to him: "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father, who is in heaven18And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it19And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound, even in heaven. And whatever you shall release on earth shall be released, even in heaven.20Then he instructed his disciples that they should tell no one that he is Jesus the Christ
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the profound mystery of God's wisdom and the pivotal moment of faith in Jesus Christ. The Second Reading from Romans 11:33-36 is a hymn to God's inscrutable wisdom, emphasizing that His ways are beyond human comprehension. This passage, part of Paul's letter discussing the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, reminds us to approach life with humility, recognizing the depth of God's wisdom that surpasses our understanding.
The Gospel from Matthew 16:13-20 presents a turning point in Jesus' ministry. When Jesus asks His disciples who they believe Him to be, Peter's confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," stands out as a beacon of faith. This moment is not just a personal revelation but a foundational event for the Church. Jesus establishes Peter as the rock upon which the Church is built, entrusting him with the keys to the kingdom, symbolizing authority and responsibility. This passage underscores the importance of faith in understanding God's plan and our role within it.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded to embrace the mystery of God's plan with humility and trust. Like Peter, our faith is a gift that allows us to see beyond the surface and participate in God's work. In our daily lives, this means living with faith, trusting in God's providence, and actively contributing to the Church's mission. The moral lesson here is the call to humility and active faith, recognizing that our understanding is limited, but our trust in God's plan is limitless. Let us strive to live out our faith with courage and trust, just as Peter did, and find our place in the ongoing story of God's Church.