Isaiah 22:19–23; Psalm 138(137); Romans 11:33–36; Matthew 16:13–20
“Who Do You Say That I Am?”
Dear friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples two important questions: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and then, more personally, “But who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:13, 15). This is a very important question as far as knowing someone is concerned.
We often know many things about other people, and this information shapes our attitudes towards them. But the important question is: Where did we get this information? Do we take time to know people for who they truly are, rather than simply relying on what others say about them? The same question applies to Jesus: Do we truly know Jesus for who he is, or is our understanding of him shaped mainly by what we have heard from others?
This episode comes after Jesus’ extensive ministry in the first half of Matthew’s Gospel. When Jesus asks what people are saying about him, the disciples report different opinions. Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. The people recognize that Jesus is an extraordinary man of God, but they have not yet fully discovered who he truly is. Even the religious leaders, such as the Pharisees and elders, reject him because he does not correspond to their expectations of the Messiah. Then Jesus turns the question directly to his disciples: “But who do you say that I am?”
This is the central question of today’s Gospel. It is not enough to know what other people say about Jesus. What matters is our own personal response. Who is Jesus to me? Have I truly come to know him, not merely as someone I have heard about, but as the Lord of my life?
Peter responds on behalf of the disciples: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). His confession goes beyond the popular opinions about Jesus. Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.
However, Jesus immediately makes it clear that Peter did not arrive at this confession simply through human intelligence or personal effort. “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven” (Mt 16:17). To know Jesus truly and to confess him as the Christ is ultimately a gift of divine revelation and grace.
Our Christian faith is built upon what God has revealed to us through Jesus Christ. Faith is not simply a matter of personal opinion, human achievement, or intellectual knowledge. It is a gift that we receive and to which we must respond. Therefore, we too are blessed because the Gospel of Christ has been preached to us and we have been invited to know him.
Today, there are many different interpretations of Jesus and his ministry. Different Christian communities and self-proclaimed prophets may emphasize particular aspects of Jesus according to their own understanding or interests. At times, this creates competition and even conflict about who represents Jesus more faithfully. Many people are left confused. Yet Jesus’ question remains simple and personal: “Who do you say that I am?”
Our answer must not depend on convenience, personal interest, or what others are saying. We are called to encounter the real Jesus revealed in the Gospel and in the faith of the Church. And our confession of faith must be confirmed by the way we live.
After Peter’s confession, Jesus entrusts him with a special responsibility: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 16:19). Peter is given a ministry of leadership and service within the new community that Jesus is establishing, the Church. In Catholic tradition, this ministry is closely connected with the authority of the apostles and their successors, including the ministry of reconciliation and forgiveness entrusted by Christ to his Church.
If we confess Jesus as the Christ, we too must become instruments of his ministry in the world. We are called to forgive those who wrong us, to promote reconciliation among people, and to bring peace where there is conflict. The ministry of Christ continues through the lives and actions of his faithful disciples.
The first reading provides an important lesson about responsibility and service. Shebna had been entrusted with an important position in the palace of King Hezekiah. However, instead of using his office responsibly, he appears to have used it for his own prestige and self-glorification. Therefore, he was removed from his position, and Eliakim was appointed in his place. The key placed on Eliakim’s shoulder became a symbol of authority and responsibility (Is 22:22).
The message is clear: authority is given for service, not for self-enrichment or self-glorification. Whenever we fail to use the responsibilities entrusted to us for the good of others, we betray the purpose of our calling.
Each one of us has been given a particular ministry and responsibility in life. Some are entrusted with leadership, others with professional duties, particular talents, trades, or responsibilities within the family and community. These gifts and positions should not be used to make ourselves superior to others or merely to enrich ourselves. They have been entrusted to us so that we may contribute to the good of others and make the world a better place.
By entrusting Peter and the apostles with responsibility for his Church, Jesus establishes a new community of faith. Unlike religious leaders who sometimes sought their own interests and failed to serve God’s people faithfully, the disciples are called to build a community founded on faith in Christ, unity, service, and reconciliation. We are heirs of this apostolic faith and share in the responsibility of bringing people together in Christ.
In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us of the greatness and mystery of God: “How rich are the depths of God—how deep his wisdom and knowledge!” (Rom 11:33). We cannot fully comprehend God’s ways. Therefore, we are called to humility, trusting in his wisdom and seeking to live according to his will.
Dear friends, our confession about Jesus must be supported by our deeds. If we say that we know Christ, then the character of Christ should be visible in our lives. People should encounter in us his love, humility, compassion, forgiveness, justice, and concern for others—not merely our personalities, ambitions, or personal interests. The question Jesus asks Peter is the same question he asks each one of us today: “Who do you say that I am?”
May we come to know Jesus more deeply, confess him with sincere faith, and bear witness to him through our words and actions. The question for our reflection today is: How well do I truly know Jesus?
Have a blessed Sunday.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 