Daily Readings - Sun Aug 27 2017
Second Reading - Romans 11.33-36
Romans
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Gospel - Matthew 16.13-20
Matthew
When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was 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.