Twenty first Sunday of the year (Year A)

Twenty first Sunday of the year August 27, 2023

Isaiah 22:19-23   Romans 11:33-36   Matthew 16:13-20

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A doctor was sharing his unique experience.  A patient came to his office seeking a hip replacement. His former cardiologist believed that the man's heart was too weak for him to survive a major operation. However, a new cardiologist had stated that while the man faced risks in undergoing surgery, his condition appeared stable. Therefore, he gave his permission to proceed. Our patient soon passed all preliminary tests. Still, on surgery day the doctor could sense tension in the room among the nurses, anesthesiologist, and him. The patient could likely sense this as well. He said, "Doctor, I know this is a busy time, but I would like to ask you for one moment to pray.   The doctor narrates: “In my 20 years of medical practice, no patient had ever made such a request. All chatter ceased. With his heart monitor beeping in the background, our patient prayed for God to take care of him and all of us in the room who were trying to help him. He thanked God for the opportunity to get better, acknowledging the human limitations of the staff in trying to repair his fragile body.”  A sense of calm filled the room. The surgery was a success. In all his professional experience the doctor says, he never has felt more strongly than on that day the presence of God sent through his patient to him.

God places responsibilities in the Hands of weak people. We may wonder at times how come that Jesus put his Church into the hands of weak, frail people, both in our leaders and in us, the members. Still, God trust us and our leaders and promises to be with us until the end of the ages. God seems to trust us more than we at times trust him. Let us ask Jesus present here that we and our leaders may live up to that trust.

Peter is the centre of today’s gospel. Like the two popes mentioned above he is the leader but he has his weaknesses and faults. He denied Jesus, He did not fall simply because he was weak. He fell because he felt he was strong. In giving authority to a man who denied him, Jesus showed that he was establishing his Church not on human strength, but on his own love and faithfulness. God does not choose perfect people to do his work. God chooses people who are flawed, but nevertheless have the capacity for greatness and holiness. Peter’s story helps us to understand ourselves and shows us how to develop a close relationship with Jesus.

what does this mean for us today? It means that our faith isn't immune to doubts or challenges. We might find ourselves asking difficult questions, just like the disciples did. But let's remember that faith doesn't mean having all the answers; rather, it means trusting in the One who holds the answers. When we face setbacks, when life takes unexpected turns, we're invited to echo Peter's confession: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Let's embrace our challenges as opportunities to deepen our faith. Let's seek God's wisdom in times of confusion, and let's remember that even when we can't see the road ahead, God is still leading us. Just as Peter's confession was a turning point for him, it can be a turning point for us too – a reaffirmation of our faith even in the midst of life's storms.

As we continue our journey, let's pray for the grace to hold onto our faith, to trust in God's plan even when it's beyond our understanding. Let's remember that it's in the challenges of life that our faith truly grows, and it's through those challenges that we come to experience the depth of God's love and wisdom.

May this Sunday inspire us to live out our faith boldly and unwaveringly, no matter what trials we may face. May God bless you abundantly and strengthen your faith through every step of your journey.

(Kindly drop your thoughts and reflections in the comment section below)

Happy Sunday