"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah” 

Two Sundays ago, when we were watching Peter walking on the sea and beginning to sink, we saw Jesus reprimand him: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Mt 14:31). Today, the scolding is changed to praise: "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah” (Mt 16:17). Lucky of Peter because he has managed to open his heart to the divine revelation and has recognized in Jesus Christ the Son of God, our Savior. Throughout history, the same questions have been asked time and again: "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?... But who do you say that I am?" (Mt 16:13-15).

At one time or other, we also have had to explain who is Jesus for me and what do I recognize in Him; through the faith received from testimonies (parents, catechists, priests, teachers, friends…)

Only from our faith and communion in Jesus Christ shall we prevail over the power of evil. The Kingdom of Death is manifested amongst us, it makes us suffer and opens up many question marks; but, at the same time, the Kingdom of God is also made available to us and it unveils the hope.

The Church, sacrament of the Kingdom of God in the world, built on the rock of the faith Peter confessed, allows us to expect the hope and the joy of eternal life.

While mankind lives in this world, we shall have to bestow hope, and while it may be necessary to impart hope, the Church's mission will be necessary; this is why. the gates of the Kingdom of Death will never overcome it, as Christ, quite present amidst his people, guaranteed us (cf. Mt 16:18).

Sunday 21th OT