There are questions we answer almost automatically: “What is your name?” “Where do you live?” “What do you do?” But occasionally, someone asks a question that reaches much deeper: “Who are you?” But today Jesus asks his disciples something even more important: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).
Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus calls him blessed and declares, “You are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:16,18). Peter was not a perfect rock. He would later misunderstand Jesus, deny Him, stumble badly and run away. Yet Christ chose him. Jesus sees not only the Peter he is, but the Peter he can become by grace. Jesus does not wait for perfect people before entrusting them with His mission. Jesus transforms ordinary, imperfect people by grace.
Isaiah reminds us that God can entrust authority to the one He chooses: “I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David” (Isaiah 22:22). Authority in God’s kingdom is not about status or control; it is about service, stewardship, and responsibility for others.
Every family understands this. A family does not remain strong because everyone is perfect. It remains strong because someone keeps loving, forgiving, praying, and holding people together when things become difficult. The Church is the same: Christ remains faithful even when His disciples stumble.
The Gospel therefore asks us not merely, “What do others say about Jesus?” but “Who is Jesus for me?” Is He only a Sunday companion, or truly the Lord of my life?
Not merely the Son of God in our creed, but my Lord, my Saviour, my hope, my reason for living. And here is something beautiful: the One whom Peter confessed is the One who gives Himself to us in this Holy Eucharist. The Christ who builds His Church also feeds His people. He does not merely ask us to believe in Him; Christ gives us Himself.
So let our answer today be more than words “Jesus, You are the Christ. You are my Lord. Build Your Church through me and make my life a living testimony of Your love.” Amen.
Your Priest,
Father Charles Enyinnia
