MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 23 AUGUST
August 23, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW, THE APOSTLE – 24th AUGUST
August 24, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
23 AUGUST, 2026
Matthew 16:13-20
Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
and he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my Church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Then he strictly ordered his disciples
to tell no one that he was the Christ.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Matthew 16:13–20 invites us to pause before Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?” This is not merely a question about what others believe; it is a personal invitation to examine our own relationship with Him. Peter responds with faith, proclaiming Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” His answer reminds us that knowing Jesus is more than knowing about Him—it is recognizing Him as our Lord, Saviour and the foundation of our lives.
Jesus then entrusts Peter with a special mission and gives him the keys of the Kingdom. Peter was not chosen because he was perfect, but because he was willing to profess his faith and follow Christ. We too may have weaknesses and failings, yet Jesus calls us, trusts us and gives us a mission. When Christ is the foundation of our lives, our faith can become a source of strength, guidance and hope for others.
Today, let us listen to Jesus asking us personally, “Who do you say that I am?” May our answer come not only from our lips but from the way we live—with faith, love, humility, forgiveness and trust. May we always recognize Jesus as the centre of our lives and courageously remain faithful to Him.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Deepen my faith so that I may know You more intimately, love You more sincerely and follow You more faithfully. May You always be the foundation upon which I build my life.
Take away every doubt, fear and weakness that keeps me from trusting You completely. Like Peter, help me to proclaim You with courage and to remain faithful even when the journey becomes difficult.
Lord, entrust me with whatever mission You desire for my life. Make me an instrument of Your love, peace and mercy, so that through my words and actions others may come to know You. Amen.
