Rock and Reservation

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to “go the distance” in our actions that contribute to making Christ present in our environment.

Going the Distance

The Reading from the Book of Numbers describes the Need for Water at Kadesh and the Sin of Moses and Aaron.

* [20:1] The wilderness of Zin: a barren region with a few good oases, southwest of the Dead Sea. See note on 13:21. The first month: we would expect the mention also of the day and of the year (after the exodus) when this took place; cf. similar dates in 1:1; 10:11; 33:38; Dt 1:3. Here the full date is left unspecified. According to one chronology, the Israelites arrived in Kadesh in the third year after the exodus (cf. Dt 1:46). But the itinerary in chap. 33 would suggest the fortieth year, the year in which Aaron died (33:38).

* [20:11] Twice: perhaps because he did not have sufficient faith to work the wonder with the first blow. Cf. v. 12.

* [20:12–13] What lay behind Moses and Aaron’s lack of confidence is not made explicit in the text. Holiness: an allusion to the name of the place, Kadesh, which means “holy, sanctified, sacred.” Meribah means “contention.” Cf. Ex 17:7. (Numbers, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 95 is a call to praise and worship God.

* [Psalm 95] Twice the Psalm calls the people to praise and worship God (Ps 95:1–2, 6), the king of all creatures (Ps 95:3–5) and shepherd of the flock (Ps 95:7a, 7b). The last strophe warns the people to be more faithful than were their ancestors in the journey to the promised land (Ps 95:7c–11). This invitation to praise God regularly opens the Church’s official prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours. (Psalms, PSALM 95 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Peter’s Confession About Jesus and the First Prediction of the Passion.

* [16:13–20] The Marcan confession of Jesus as Messiah, made by Peter as spokesman for the other disciples (Mk 8:27–29; cf. also Lk 9:18–20), is modified significantly here. The confession is of Jesus both as Messiah and as Son of the living God (Mt 16:16). Jesus’ response, drawn principally from material peculiar to Matthew, attributes the confession to a divine revelation granted to Peter alone (Mt 16:17) and makes him the rock on which Jesus will build his church (Mt 16:18) and the disciple whose authority in the church on earth will be confirmed in heaven, i.e., by God (Mt 16:19).

* [16:21–23] This first prediction of the passion follows Mk 8:31–33 in the main and serves as a corrective to an understanding of Jesus’ messiahship as solely one of glory and triumph. By his addition of from that time on (Mt 16:21) Matthew has emphasized that Jesus’ revelation of his coming suffering and death marks a new phase of the gospel. Neither this nor the two later passion predictions (Mt 17:22–23; 20:17–19) can be taken as sayings that, as they stand, go back to Jesus himself. However, it is probable that he foresaw that his mission would entail suffering and perhaps death, but was confident that he would ultimately be vindicated by God (see Mt 26:29). (Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Barbara Dilly reflects on the words in Psalm 95.

The Psalmist says one way to demonstrate that we hear the Lord’s voice is to joyfully sing psalms as we bow down in worship to the Lord, acclaiming the Rock of our salvation. Jesus says he will build his church on our faith in this Rock of our salvation, where evil shall not prevail. This is where listening is important. We have heard of the works of the Lord since ancient times written in the Scriptures.There is enough there for us to understand how God works. It should give us great confidence in clear directions for our lives. Still, we often refuse to accept God’s truths as we hear the Word of God and to align our lives with them. We so easily speculate that they might not pertain to our times or to us. But if we are waiting for specific instructions, we are hardening our hearts. I pray today that we are all challenged to take the words of Psalm 95 very personally. (Dilly, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Only by hope,” by Basil the Great, 329-379 A.D.

"'Turn, O my soul, into your rest: for the Lord has been bountiful to you' (Psalm 114:7). The brave contestant applies to himself the consoling words, very much like to Paul, when he says: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. For the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice.' These things the prophet also says to himself: Since you have fulfilled sufficiently the course of this life, turn then to your rest, 'for the Lord has been bountiful to you.' For, eternal rest lies before those who have struggled through the present life observant of the laws, a rest not given in payment for a debt owed for their works but provided as a grace of the munificent God for those who have hoped in him." (excerpt from HOMILIES 22) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts of today. In the Book of Numbers the people now complain that they don’t have water. Maribah, a place of rebellion, and Moses acts to keep him from the Holy Land. Did he strike the wrong place?, or strike twice? It is not clear. Near Caesarea Philippi and a pool Jesus asks “Who do people say I am?” In Matthew, the “Son of God” is added to account from Mark. In Matthew, there is an interlude before Peter is told “get behind me”. Before Jesus responds, he will call Peter “the Rock”. The church is mentioned here and the gates of the underworld, as they are near a pagan worship site. The demonic forces will not defeat the Church. Friar Jude comments that he keys to the Kingdom and the rabbinic authority of binding and loosing, how to follow the Law, is given to Peter, who is made a “super rabbi” for the Church.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces religious historian Diana Butler Bass who explores what it meant for Jesus to be called “teacher” or “rabbi”.

As a teacher, Jesus is not contradicting Moses or demeaning other Jewish teachers. He is offering his interpretation of the law, teachings that surprised his followers with their originality and insight. To understand Jesus as a teacher in this sense—even if one does consider him divine—is to remember that teachers, even those with great authority, teach within a long line of communal interpretation, something that Jesus himself would have known. Jesus does not replace. Jesus reimagines and expands, inviting an alternative and often innovative reading of Jewish tradition….  

As a rabbi, Jesus was remarkable, challenging, and inventive. His teachings remain compelling, influencing people throughout the ages and well beyond Christianity; and those teachings stand on their own as beautiful without needing to diminish others…. If Christians really followed the one they claimed as Teacher, the world would be a more just and loving place. (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the strength of the Spirit to be fully committed to the mission of our Baptismal Anointing as priest, prophet, and leader in our environment.

References

Dilly, B. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-7-2025 

Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/16?13 

Numbers, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/20?1 

Psalms, PSALM 95 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/95?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 7, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-teacher-and-sage/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). You Are the Christ - the Son of the Living God. Daily Scripture Net. Retrieved Aug 7, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=aug7 

Shepherd of the Flock

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek the inspiration of the Spirit as we accept the mission to participate with Christ as servant-leaders of the flock.

Shepherds and Leaders

The reading from the First Letter of Peter instructs us to initiate Christ in tending the Flock of God.

* [5:1–4] In imitation of Christ, the chief shepherd, those entrusted with a pastoral office are to tend the flock by their care and example.

* [5:1] Presbyters: the officially appointed leaders and teachers of the Christian community (cf. 1 Tm 5:17–18; Ti 1:5–8; Jas 5:14).

* [5:4] See note on 1 Pt 2:25. (1 Peter, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 23 praises the Divine Shepherd.

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10). (Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Peter’s Declaration about Jesus.

* [16:13–20] The Marcan confession of Jesus as Messiah, made by Peter as spokesman for the other disciples (Mk 8:27–29; cf. also Lk 9:18–20), is modified significantly here. The confession is of Jesus both as Messiah and as Son of the living God (Mt 16:16). Jesus’ response, drawn principally from material peculiar to Matthew, attributes the confession to a divine revelation granted to Peter alone (Mt 16:17) and makes him the rock on which Jesus will build his church (Mt 16:18) and the disciple whose authority in the church on earth will be confirmed in heaven, i.e., by God (Mt 16:19). (Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Molly Mattingly comments that the Chair of St. Peter symbolizes the pope’s responsibility to hand down Christ’s teachings from generation to generation.

All this is present in his reminder to his fellow presbyters, when he teaches them to be examples to the flock. Do they remember they are peers? Do they remember what it means to lay down their lives for the sheep? Do they remember their identity as followers of the “chief Shepherd” is more fundamental than their leadership itself? It is a reminder of humility, and wariness of exercising power for their own sake.

In the Gospel reading from Matthew, Peter demonstrates how he follows Jesus. He knows Jesus is the Messiah and he’s not afraid to own it. For this faith, Jesus gives him a new name: Rock. Peter’s trust and courage is a solid foundation on which Jesus can build.

May all of us – ordained, religious, and lay – have Peter’s trust to follow our chief Shepherd, Peter’s courage in proclaiming Christ’s Gospel, and Peter’s humility in serving those assigned to us. (Mattingly, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD), an early church father, who comments on Peter's profession of faith in Jesus:

Peter did not say "you are a Christ" or "a son of God" but "the Christ, the Son of God." For there are many christs [meaning anointed ones] by grace, who have attained the rank of adoption [as sons], but [there is] only one who is by nature the Son of God. Thus, using the definite article, he said, the Christ, the Son of God. And in calling him Son of the living God, Peter indicates that Christ himself is life and that death has no authority over him. And even if the flesh, for a short while, was weak and died, nevertheless it rose again, since the Word, who indwelled it, could not be held under the bonds of death. (FRAGMENT 190) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 16:13-19 notes that on today’s feast of the Chair of St. Peter, we are reminded of all the ways that Jesus has given us the Church as a stronghold with a rock-solid foundation. Not only will Jesus himself be with his people, but he will always give them a faith-filled shepherd in the person of Peter and his successors. These shepherds will hand down the truth of the gospel: that Jesus has saved us from sin and death so that we can live with him forever.

Through the Church, we will find all the grace we need to combat the powers of darkness and to share the good news of the gospel. Today, let’s pray for all the shepherds who are called to lead the body of Christ. Let’s also pray that we, too, will hear and act on God’s call to us to share the power of his love and mercy, a power that will always prevail against darkness and death!

“Jesus, help me to advance the mission of your Church to proclaim the gospel to the world.” (Meditation on Matthew 16:13-19, 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Silvanus, a secretary to Peter, may have improved the Greek in Peter’s letter that some consider questions the letter's authorship. The rebuke of Peter at Caesarea Philippi in Mark’s Gospel is immediate but Matthew first has Jesus install Peter with the keys of the Kingdom and the rabbinic power to loose and bind. Friar Jude notes the use of the term “Church” at the time that Matthew wrote his Gospel.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologians and activists Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra and Dr. Peter Heltzel who explore how we can live out the biblical virtue of solidarity.

Solidarity is a term commonly used in Latin America to describe the commitment and engagement of those who are not poor in struggles for justice. Joerg Rieger speaks of deep solidarity as rooted in the recognition that “we are really in the same boat. The system that is not benefitting the poor is not benefitting us either. Jesus goes out to the lost sheep, the lost son and yells at the holders of privilege.” [1] Those who are engaged in solidarity are committed to a partnership with the poor that rectifies the imbalances of our society. Solidarity does not imply a superior virtue. It is, rather, a matter of recognizing the need for the gifts and leadership of the poor in the struggle to create the beloved community that will bless us all.   (Rohr, n.d.)

Our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader is the preparation from which the Spirit informs our response to “Who do you say I am?”

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/16?13 

Mattingly, M. (2025, February 22). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022225.html 

Meditation on Matthew 16:13-19. (2025, February 22). The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/22/1208285/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/5?1 

Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Loving Other Stories: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/loving-other-stories-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb22a