August 22, 1999 |
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21st Sunday in Ordinary Time MT 16:13-20 |
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| 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. |
read the padre |
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Story: Once upon a time, back in the 1940's, there was a terrible automobile accident in which a Dad and his twelve year old son were killed instantly. A nine-year-old son crawled out without a scratch. An eleven-year-old daughter was severely injured and near death. In fact, at the double wake, the rumor spread that she, too, had died. Fortunately, the rumor was not true. She was still in a coma but eventually regained consciousness and in time recovered physically from the trauma. However, the accident changed her. No one could put their finger on just what it was-she did all the things normal preteens and early teenagers do. Still, folks who knew her during those years noticed something different about her. In retrospect they say that she seemed almost mystical. Today they wonder if perhaps she had a "near death" experience that no one would have understood. When she was eighteen, she entered a cloistered convent. Unfortunately, her health broke and she had to return home to people who did not understand her. Neighbors often commented on the aura that seemed to surround her. Some people thought the accident had affected her mind. Eventually, when she regained her health, she went to Mexico and became a doctor and began working with the poor. Again, people's reaction to her was mixed. Some wondered why she bothered to work so hard for so little income. Others saw her life as a challenge to them and their values. Unaffected by and probably oblivious to both opinions, she continued to minister to the sick and the poor. She remains a mystery and a challenge. |
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