Gospel:
Matthew 16:13-23
13 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. 21 From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. 22 Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” 23 He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
Historical Background
Caesarea Philippi is a region where pagan worship was steeped, especially of the Greek god Pan. It was known for its rocky terrain and the infamous “gates of Hades,” a cave believed to be an entrance to the underworld. The Roman Empire ruled the region, and Herod Philip had renamed the city to honor Caesar. This setting contrasted sharply with Jesus’ declaration of a kingdom not of this world.
Jesus chose this Gentile-dominated area to reveal His identity, symbolizing the expansion of His mission beyond Jewish boundaries.
Theological Context
Peter’s Confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God is divinely revealed, not humanly deduced. Jesus response, “On this rock I will build my church,” refers either to Peter himself or his confession, marks the first mention of “church” (ekklesia).
Jesus gives Peter the “keys of the kingdom,” symbolizing spiritual authority to bind and loose—interpreted as teaching, discipline, and forgiveness. He then predicts His suffering and death, but Peter rebukes Him. Jesus responds sharply: “Get behind me, Satan!”—highlighting the tension between divine purpose and human expectation.
Learning Lessons
True understanding of Jesus comes from divine revelation, not mere intellect. Declaring Jesus as Messiah is the cornerstone of discipleship.
Spiritual leadership requires alignment with God’s will. Following Jesus means embracing the cross, not avoiding it. Beware of Misguided Zeal. Even sincere believers can resist God’s plan when it conflicts with personal hopes.
“The Rock and the Rebuke”
In Caesarea’s shadow, idols stood tall,
Yet one voice rose above them all.
“You are the Christ,” bold Peter cried,
The Son of God, none could deny.
Upon that rock, the Church would rise,
Not built by hands, but heaven’s ties.
Keys were given, gates defied,
Truth revealed, not falsified.
But passion flared, and fear took hold,
A path of pain, too dark, too bold.
“Far be it, Lord!” the man exclaimed,
Yet Jesus saw what must be named.
“Get behind me,” came the flame,
Not from hate, but love’s acclaim.
For kings must bleed before they reign,
And glory walks through death and pain.
Lord Jesus,
Son of the Living God, You are the Christ, the Rock on which we stand. Reveal Yourself anew to our hearts, that we may confess You not only with lips, but with lives surrendered to Your will.
Forgive us when we resist the cross, when comfort clouds our calling. Teach us to follow, even when the path is steep, to trust Your wisdom above our own. Grant us the courage of Peter’s confession, and the humility to accept Your rebuke. Build Your Church in us, and let the gates of Hades not prevail.
Amen.
Pericope:
V: Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church
PETER'S CONFESSION ABOUT JESUS / THE FIRST PREDICTION OF THE PASSION
Matthew 16:13-23
Gospel Acclamation
You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
