Sunday 23rd August 2020 - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 16, 13-20 - You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church; and the power of Death shall not prevail over it.

Jesus meets with his disciples to evaluate his mission and how the people perceive him. Because in spite of the many preachings and the many miracles and healings, many still seem divided about who He is. He is likened to the famous prophets of the Old Testament.

In answer to Jesus' question, Simon's reply is profound, going beyond human conception. After all, the human mind cannot understand the mysteries of God. You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Simon's faith in Jesus shows that he is drawn to the Father. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless he is drawn to the Father who sent me" (John 6:44). Faith is a precious gift from God. And it is because of his faith that Jesus placed the greatest responsibility and trust in Simon: the foundation of the Church, the spokesman and leader of the apostles, the shepherd after Jesus.

But we are also the living cornerstone of Christ's Church, wherever we are through what we do. We must realise that faith is not just what we think it is, but it is God's gift. So let God teach us, that our faith is not dependent on material needs. Let us persevere and strengthen our union with the successors of the apostles, for it is to them that authentic faith has been entrusted. It is in the Church which Christ founded on the apostles that we must receive the true light that leads to Him.