A sermon on Matthew 16:13-20; Who do you say I am?

Fr. Mike Paraniuk
HCP columnist

A fourth-grade teacher was giving her pupils a lesson in logic.

"Here is the situation," she said.

"A man is standing up in a boat in the middle of a river, fishing.

He loses his balance, falls in, and begins splashing and yelling for help.

His wife hears the commotion, knows he can’t swim, and runs down to the bank.

Why do you think she ran to the bank?"

A girl raised her hand and said, "To take out all his money."

Just like this little girl confused the meaning of "bank," the Apostles were confused about the meaning of Jesus as "Messiah."

Jesus the Messiah was sent by His Father for a Divine Purpose. But there was a misunderstanding of His mission. When Jesus asked, "Who do you say I am?"

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16.)

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah!" (Matthew 16:17.)

Then several verses later, Jesus and Peter had a big fight. When Jesus revealed His mission that He must suffer and die, Peter didn't want to hear it. Peter rebuked Jesus for such talk, saying “This shall never happen to You!” (Matthew 16:22).

That's when Jesus let Peter have it. "Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me.'" (Matthew 16:23.)

Peter understood Messiah as the "Anointed One" who would "Make Israel Great Again." (He would have worn a red MIGA hat.)

The Messiah would kick out the Roman oppressors and everyone would have lots of money to take to the bank. Jesus went to another bank where humanity was drowning in the waters of death. Jesus would suffer and die to resuscitate us with the breath of God's Mercy.

Every follower of Jesus must answer this question. Jesus wants to know, "Who am I to you?" How you answer this question will determine if you face life with faith or with fear. 

If you see God as a stern judge, then you will live in fear that just one offense could doom you to Hell.  If you see God as a divine scorekeeper, then you will be afraid of not doing enough good deeds to earn Heaven. 

If you see God as Loving and Merciful, then fear will give way to faith. Faith in God who wants to love you and not condemn you is the peace this world can never give. He will give you authority to overcome all the trials that life throws at you. If you see God as a loving parent then you can turn to God with faith that He cares for you. If you see God as a friend then you can have faith every thing in your life is important to Him. 

God offers these consoling words for those who carry a heavy cross. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27.)

Now that you can take to the bank. Blessings...Fr. Mike.