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Daily Gospel

Sunday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel, Reflection, and Prayer

Green

Gospel

Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and
he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter said in reply,
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
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.
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.
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."
Then he strictly ordered his disciples
to tell no one that he was the Christ.

The Gospel of the Lord,

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Reflection

Reflection

In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They give different answers based on what other people are saying. Then Jesus makes the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” It is one of the most basic truths we learn in catechism, yet it is also one of the deepest questions we will ever have to answer.

This is why “Who Is Jesus Christ?” is such a meaningful topic in the CFC Christian Life Program. We may know the correct answer from catechism, attend Mass regularly, pray, or serve in community, but Jesus invites us to go beyond knowing about Him to actually knowing Him. Who is Jesus when our family is struggling? Who is He when prayers seem unanswered, when we are tired, or when life is going well? Our answer becomes deeper as our relationship with Him grows.

Jesus still asks each of us the same question today: “Who do you say that I am?” Not what our parents say, not what our community says, and not simply what we memorized in catechism. Our faith becomes personal when we can answer from our own encounters with Him. And perhaps that answer is never really finished, because the more we journey with Jesus, the more we discover who He is and who we are called to become.

My Gospel Word Today

What word or message speaks to you today?

Share a word or short phrase that expresses what you feel about this Gospel, what you reflect on about the message. Example: trust, listen more, choose what matters...

References for August 23, 2026

First Reading Isaiah 22:19-23
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
Second Reading Romans 11:33-36
Gospel Matthew 16:13-20

Following the Mass for August 23, 2026? The references above are provided for the readings proclaimed during the Liturgy of the Word. Source: USCCB Daily Readings and Vatican News Word of the Day.

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