Reflection on Today’s Readings, 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A, August 27th, 2023
Texts: Isaiah 22:19-23; Psalm 137:1-3,6,8; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20

Today I appeal to everyone to seek the Lord with all their heart. Seeking the Lord with all our heart, we  grow in the knowledge of God. The word of God by Hosea is this: “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (6:6). God desires that we know Him. Jesus Christ expresses the desire when He says, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" "But who do you say that I am?” His desire to be known is His desire to be closed to us and share His authority with us.  

Jesus Christ asked His apostles, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" They answered Him, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." The answers show that the people saw Jesus as a great prophet. We can see the scriptural support for their perceptions in Deut. 18:15, 18 and Malachi 4:5 

Deut 18:15, 18 - The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him. ... I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.
Mal 4:5 - Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. 

They believed Jesus had the Spirit of one of the great prophets

The Jews were expecting a Prophet-Messiah who would provide guidance. They thought the spirit of John the Baptist had moved to Jesus, being his relative. Concerning Elijah, it had been prophesied by Malachi. For Jeremiah, he was taken to be Moses-like prophet. There was also a belief that he hid the ark of the covenant in a cave where Moses saw the people’s heritage. They held that he would come to lead them to where to find the ark of the covenant. They believed Jesus had the Spirit of one of the great prophets.  

It is a loss not to know Jesus Christ

However, the people’s perceptions of Jesus Christ was not correct. He did not come in the spirit of any prophet. The prophets rather prophesied by the Spirit of Christ in them (1Pet. 1:10-11). Some of us are like the people, we do not know Jesus Christ. Until we know Him we cannot know our dignity  and riches in Him. St. Paul, in today’s second reading, says, “O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” It is a loss not to know Jesus Christ.  

Shebna, in today’s first reading, lost his position and authority because he failed to know God. He indulged in vain glory and abuse of office. He used his Office to amass wealth for himself. The result of not knowing God is evil. When we fail to know God, we will be at home with evil and sins. God gave the office of Shebna to Eliakim. God called Eliakim His servant, which shows he knew God and his heart was with God. 

You are the Christ, the Son of the living God

Jesus Christ also sought the apostles’ knowledge of His identity. He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus acknowledged that man could not attain such knowledge by his power. Hence, He said, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” It was God who revealed it to Peter. The wise says, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:6). 

Jesus Christ built His Church on the faith of Peter and gave him authority for knowing and professing His identity. He said to him, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Jesus gave Peter authority that is accepted in heaven. When we know Jesus we become the citizens of Kingdom of heaven and enjoy His authority. 

Knowing Jesus Christ is a blessing and a thing of joy. When we know Jesus Christ we become His friends and co-heirs with Him. 

Prayer 

God, who cause the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke