Education in Faith

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

"You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church"

Matthew 16 : 13 - 20

Because of the miracles that Jesus performed, and the way that he taught the crowds, the people knew that Jesus was a very special person. They thought that he was a prophet – a person who brought God’s message to them. Jesus wanted to know who his special group of friends thought he really was. Only Peter was able to give the answer, and this was how Jesus knew that he was to lead the Church. 

In this week’s Gospel, you will find why Jesus calls Peter the rock upon which he will build his Church. Peter shows his great faith in Jesus. Jesus asks his friends what they believe about him. Peter replies, “You are the Messiah.” For this answer, Jesus gives Peter the “keys of the kingdom of heaven,” and calls Peter “Rock,” the foundation stone upon which Jesus will build his Church. 

Peter’s great faith in Jesus is a gift from God. He is given the task of passing on the faith of all Jesus’ followers. Jesus gives the keys to Peter and God’s power is given to the entire community of believers. 

Peter is the rock upon whom Jesus built his Church. Peter was the first leader (Pope) in the Church. We believe that this leadership of the Catholic Church has been passed down from Peter. The pope is the bishop of Rome and the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

The pope is a spiritual leader.  His leadership is modelled after Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who is compassionate and loving. The pope witnesses to Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit by spreading love, justice, peace, and holiness throughout the world.

• What kind of a leader is Jesus?
• What do we believe about Jesus? 
• What question does Jesus ask his disciples?
• How does Peter answer Jesus?
• Why is Jesus pleased with Peter’s answer?
• What does Jesus say to Peter about being a rock? 
• Why does Jesus choose Peter to be the rock upon which he will build his Church? 
• How does Peter show his great faith in Jesus?
• Who leads the Church today? 
• What is the name of our current pope?

Questions for Deeper Reflection:

If Jesus asked you these questions, what would you answer?

“What did you hear…?”

“What do you think…?”

“How would you feel…?”

“How do you think Jesus would have felt…?”

“How do you show your faith in Jesus?”

Let us pray.

O God, your Church is built on a solid foundation. 

We are happy to be part of your Church family.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. 

Amen.