The Gospel today revolves around two questions.
Jesus first asks his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The answers come quickly: John the Baptist. Elijah. Jeremiah. One of the prophets. The voices of the crowd recognize Jesus as someone extraordinary, but they stop short of the truth.
Then Jesus asks a second question.
"But who do you say that I am?"
The conversation suddenly becomes personal. Simon Peter answers with words that echo through every generation of believers: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus responds by giving Peter a mission. "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church."
Matthew's Gospel is one of only two places where Jesus speaks the word Church – the assembly of God's people. Faith is deeply personal, but it is never meant to be lived in isolation. Christ gathers us into a community that proclaims his name, celebrates his presence, and continues his mission in the world. Peter's ministry of leadership remains a visible sign of that unity through the Church and the successor of Peter, the Pope.
The First Reading from Isaiah reminds us that leadership is entrusted by God. The Second Reading ends with St. Paul's hymn of praise for Jesus Christ:
"For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."
Every generation hears the same question that Jesus asked at Caesarea Philippi.
Who do you say that I am?
May our answer be more than words. May it be the faith we profess, the life we live, and the communion we share with the Church that continues to bear witness to Christ in every age.
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon Turn Your Ear, O Lord, and Answer Me (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #160
The Entrance Antiphon from Psalm 86 is a song of salvation that emphasizes today’s Gospel teaching: “Turn your ear, O Lord, and answer me; save the servant who trusts in you, my God.” Who is saved? The one who trusts in God.
Entrance Chant Jesus Is Here (Cooper Ray and Steve Angrisano)
Here is a spirited affirmation of Jesus as the light of the world who shows us the way. Jesus is here! You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Responsorial Psalm Lord, Your Love Is Eternal (Casey McKinley)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 282
Casey McKinley’s verbatim setting of Psalm 138 is an uplifting response to the First Reading from Isaiah, in which God confirms the servant who does his will.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Renewal (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 284
The acclamation verse is taken from Jesus’ commission to Peter in today’s Gospel.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts You Know Who I Am (Matt Maher and Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #371; Never Too Young #224
This song turns around the question in today’s Gospel. If Jesus were to ask us, “Who do you say you are?” our response could be this refrain that begins with our personal relationship with Christ: “You know who I am. Lord, please take my hand.” But it continues with an equally important recognition of Church: “And lead me into community.”
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon The Earth Is Replete with the Fruits of Your Work [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #161
Antiphon Option 1 sings of God’s joy that fills the earth. Bread and wine are the work of human hands, the work of our Church community.
Communion Chant Jesus Christ Is Lord (Ken Canedo)
Spirit & Song #195
Based on the Christ Hymn from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, “Jesus Christ Is Lord” is an accessible proclamation of faith.
Sending Forth By Our Love (Tom Kendzia)
Breaking Bread #509
A contemporary song of the Church, inspired by the lyrics of the classic Folk Mass song, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love.”
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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