21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 23, 2026
Readings: Isaiah 22:15, 19–23; Psalm 138:1–3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33–36; Matthew 16:13–20
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| The Giving of the Keys to Saint Peter by Pietro Perugino |
“Know thyself” is a common expression that is often used today and was first inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, in ancient Delphi, Greece. We can know about ourselves in various ways. When you know yourself, you can achieve many things in the best possible way. Self-ignorance might leave a person in distress or frustration. Knowledge of oneself is a must to win, conquer, or at least navigate tough situations. Jesus knew about himself. However, he wanted to know what others think about him. The liturgical readings on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a beautiful account of Jesus' popularity among the masses. In other words, the readings invite us to grow in knowledge and wisdom of God in every day of our lives.
1. The person of Jesus to oneself and others
The Gospel of Matthew 16:13–20 presents a decisive moment in the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus asks two questions: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and, more importantly, “But who do you say that I am?” The first question concerns public opinion; the second demands personal faith. Christianity ultimately is not merely about knowing what others say about Jesus. It is about discovering and proclaiming who Jesus is for me.
The answer to the question of who Jesus is for me is based on one's experience and relationship with him. We cannot give a ready-made answer from books or from the life of others. For a Christian, Jesus Christ is everything - life and breath. Just as St Peter answered, Jesus Christ is truly the Son of the living God. Without Christ, we have no meaning as a Christian. He is the foundation of our lives to live and give witness.
2. Experience strengthens our faith.
St Peter recognizes Jesus not simply as a teacher, prophet or miracle-worker, but as the Messiah, the Son of God. This confession becomes the foundation of his discipleship. This question also applies to us. Our faith becomes meaningful when Jesus moves from being someone we know about to someone we personally know and follow.
Often we speak about our God experience. Our God experience is built upon the foundation of faith. It also determines how big our God is. Is our faith simply built on rites and rituals, external celebrations, installing statues or constructing Churches? Faith is a gift from God. We need to pray that God may increase our faith. When we have faith, God reveals himself.
3. Leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege
We can study theology, read Scripture, listen to sermons and participate in religious practices, but genuine faith requires an openness to God's grace. Faith is ultimately a grace. Faith grows when we allow God to reveal himself in Scripture, prayer, the Eucharist, community, suffering, service and the people we encounter every day. Faith is also a responsibility. Faith makes you grow in leadership. Therefore, faith is leadership with responsibility. In other words, you have to lead others in faith; that means first you must have faith.
Just as God revealed to St Peter, we too are called to receive that revelation. Even though we may not be perfect, God makes us worthy in our imperfection. In fact, God chooses us because we are imperfect. God does not call perfect people; God calls ordinary people and transforms them through grace. God can build something beautiful even with imperfect people when they surrender themselves to him. Ultimately, Christian leadership is not about power, status or recognition. It is about service, responsibility and care for others.
Questions for self-reflection
- Who is Jesus in my life?
- What place does Jesus occupy in my life?
- Do I genuinely allow him to shape my decisions, relationships and priorities?
- When life becomes difficult, do I continue to recognize him as the Son of the living God?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me to love You above all things, to carry my cross with courage, and to recognize Your presence in every person I meet. Make me generous in service, faithful in discipleship, and open to the transforming power of Your love. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.
- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ
E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
Blog: Celebrate Faith
Video: YouTube
21 August 2026
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