August 25, 1996 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time MT 16:13-20

BACKGROUND

The setting for today's selection in which the identity of Jesus and the identity of Peter are both confirmed is at the northern limits of Ancient Israel. In keeping with Matthew's desire to see Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's religious heritage, he never has Jesus venturing outside that territory. This event begins the journey to Jerusalem. Matthew's interest in linking Jesus with important figures in Israel's history continues with the disciples' response to the question of who do others say the Son of Man is, even though their response does not satisfy Jesus. When He pushes them for their own response to the question, Simon Peter becomes the spokesperson, setting the stage for his role in the new community. Peter's answer indicates that the disciples have some sense of who Jesus is. Jesus then blesses Peter as one chosen to receive this special revelation of the Father and confers on him a new title. Peter means rock and was not a personal name. And it is on this rock that Jesus' church will be built and Peter will have the authority to bind and loose. The concluding admonition indicates that others might be looking for an earthly messiah and would not understand the message of Jesus.

STORY

Once upon a time not so very long ago, there was a parish with many problems. The beloved pastor had retired. During his pastorate, the various and quite diverse groups in the parish still felt part of the larger community. A harmony reigned. The new pastor didn't understand the spirit of the parish and wanted to set up "his" parish. He lacked the people encouraging skills of his predecessor. The community's sense of unity quickly disintegrated. Factions fought over any new proposal. The plan to remodel the church led to a boycott by some and a letter writing campaign by others. In the midst of all this dissension, one person, a woman who had been in the parish since it's founding some 30 years before, became a reminder for all who encountered her of the Spirit of God in their midst. She wouldn't let go of the vision that had united the parish. Her presence became the rock for many. Her funeral, some ten years after the change of pastors, was probably the first time in all those years that people from all the factions in the parish gathered harmoniously. The personnel board of the diocese would do well to pay attention to her example when they send a new pastor to that parish.