21st Sunday A
Norwood
23 August 2026
My friends,
‘First Confession – A Sort of Memoir’, is the title the English politician and diplomat, Chris Patten, gave his book of memories of his life in politics. The mention of ‘Confession’ in the title comes from a confident declaration that he is a Catholic and constantly in the course of telling his life story, the influence that his Catholic faith had all through his career. But even more than his own personal faith he speaks frequently of how important equally, was his participation in the life of the Church both by way of Mass attendance and his engagement with what the Church documents were offering him as a public servant.
Reading his memoir was refreshing and uplifting – to hear a public figure unashamedly acknowledge the importance of faith in his life. Doing so, however, didn’t prevent him from being critical of some dimensions of Church life.
Today’s Gospel from St. Matthew is an account of a dramatic exchange between Jesus and Peter which will explain why I draw from the example of Chris Patten in my opening words.
Who do people say I am? is the first question which is quickly followed by the direct and personal question, “But you, who do you say I am?” It’s a blunt question to Peter but a fair question. Afterall, they had been with Jesus for some time by now. Peter’s answer was crystal clear – “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
For Peter to answer in this way was certainly personal but it also was the beginning of a wider declaration of faith and trust of the fledgeling Church. That same question is ours today, first individually, “But you” says Jesus, “Who do you say I am?” or you might rephrase it to ask, “Who is the Lord Jesus for you at this time?”
The gift of this time together in prayer and reflection is precisely this opportunity to support one another in faith and life – because for some, things may not be going well – in which case our prayer will be different from those who are having a strong sense of life’s blessing.
The second part of Jesus’ engagement with Peter opens up his place in the life of the Church. He, by his natural gift of leadership and courage was called to be the one to keep the ‘flock’ together so to speak. “Thou art Peter and on this rock, I will build my Church.”
Yet, time would reveal Peter to buckle under the pressure of witness, but it didn’t define him – he prevailed in the end. The existence of a global Catholic Church is his legacy and that of all those who answered the question, “Who do you say I am? You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Many we know in our current situation have abandoned communal religious practice. Many do so in the belief that the religious faith journey is a personal and private matter and they don’t need to gather for prayer with others. There is no doubt the our inner faith journey is personal but it is not wholly private.
That many now believe that faith is entirely an individual concern, probably reflects the spirit of individualism that has taken hold in many peoples view of life. It is leading to a growing isolation and lack of connection.
The Catholic Church has made and continues to make mistakes but one thing it is good at is bringing people together, not for its own sake but ‘round the person of Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God. In doing so, we are kept in touch with fellow pilgrim, we listen to a word of wisdom and inspiration and celebrate communion in his person who is full of grace and truth.
This shared Sacramental experience is like a river of grace from which we can drink freely as we need.
