TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
29 JUNE, 2025
Matthew 16:13-19
SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi 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.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this powerful passage, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” and Peter responds with bold faith: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This confession becomes the foundation upon which Christ builds His Church. Peter’s declaration wasn’t born of human understanding but was revealed by the Father. It reminds us that true knowledge of Christ comes through divine revelation and faith. Jesus’ response to Peter shows the authority and mission He gives to His followers—to build, to bind, and to release, empowered by heavenly truth. This moment calls each of us to examine our own response to Jesus’ question and the role we play in the mission of His Church.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Strengthen my faith that I may confess You boldly and follow You faithfully. Reveal Yourself to me more deeply, and use me to build Your Church in truth and love. May I live a life rooted in Your authority, trusting in the power You have entrusted to Your people. Let my words and actions reflect the Rock upon which my faith stands—You, my Savior and Lord. Amen
