21st Sunday in Ordinary Time(Cycle A, Year I)
Community Word:
The glory of God transforms our lives.
Theme:
We are transformed as we pray for and submit to those in authority.
Promise:
“Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.”(Mt 16:19b)
Reflection:
The liturgical readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time talk about God’s direct and delegated authority.In the book of Isaiah, the Lord removes Shebna from his office for abusing his authority and places Eliakim in his stead. In Psalms, David exalts the authority and power of God for His kindness and goodness. In the 2nd reading, Paul is overwhelmed by God’s wisdom and knowledge as he praises Him. And in the gospel, Jesus empowers Peter with the authority to lead the Church after the latter acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God.
“Who do you say that I am?” was the question posed by Jesus to His apostles,and to which Peter quickly replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” (Mt 16:15-16). Peter’s Spirit-inspired answer earned him the key of authority when Jesus declared, “I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven,” (Mt 16:19a).Despite Peter’s wavering faith, he remained faithful to Jesus in every situation he had to face. Deep was his love for God that his reply to Jesus was revealed by the Father Himself. Peter’s profession of faith was the result of an intimate and profound relationship with our Lord Jesus, focusing only in doing the Father’s Will while acknowledging that God has the ultimate authority and is in control of everything.
As disciples of Christ, let us strive to align our will to the Father’s Will so that we may be renewed and transformed like Peter. When we acknowledge that all authority comes from the Father, we will persevere to be faithful, trustworthy and humble like Jesus. With authority comes accountability, so as we lead and govern we should only do what is good for all and model our leadership after Jesus who came to serve rather than be served. If we abuse our leadership like Shebna, authority can also be taken away from us. We recall that scene when Jesus was being judged by Pontius Pilate, Jesus told him, “You would have no authority over me if it were not given to you from above.” Ultimate authority is not ours, but God’s. Authority has been handed down to us only to do what is good.
Our theme for the week states: We are transformed as we pray for and submit to those in authority. When we are under a rightful authority, it becomes our duty not only to obey and follow, but also to pray for those who are in a position over us so that the Holy Spirit may guide them to do what is right. And if we are in a position of authority, we must follow the example of Jesus who remained humble in doing His Father’s Will to teach us only the Truth.Being a leader means being a servant for others,first and foremost. Leaders should seek to help others so that they will be able to discover their potentials, optimize their capabilities and know better what is for their common good. It means being accountable and willing to accept ones limitations and mistakes when committed. It means to acknowledge there is a higher authority who is God and to be grateful to Him for His inspiration and guidance.
We may have our own plans, but these can never be as certain as God’s perfect plan for us. Thus, we need to submit to God’s authority, wisdom and knowledge, turning to Him for help through prayer. If Jesus were to ask us – who do you say that I am, will our answer be as quick as Peter’s response? God revealed Jesus to us at the Transfiguration and commanded us to “Listen to him,” (Mt 17:5b). It is evident that God gave His authority to His Son. When we listen to Jesus and follow His commandments, we are transformed. As we acknowledge Jesus in our lives as meaningful as Peter did, we benefit from the promise He gave to His Church: Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven,” (Mt 16:19b). Being members of the Church, we participate in building God’s kingdom on earth, promoting what is good and condemning what is evil.
Prayer:
Lord God, we believe that You are the source of all authority. By Your kindness, You shared Your authority with us to do good for others.Forgive us when we neglect to seek Your guidance and to exercise our responsibility in leading others back to You. Grant us Your wisdom and discernment to see the Truth, and the courage to stand up for You even in the face of persecution.May we desire to serve rather than to be served as we remain faithful to You, Lord. This we pray in the name of Jesus, Your Son, to whom You gave all authority in heaven and on earth. Amen.
Reflection Guides:
1. As a person in authority (as parent, boss, community leader, shepherd, etc.), how do you share with others that such exercise of authority is only God-given? Do you lead by Jesus’ example of servanthood – to serve and not to be served?
2. How often do you pray for your family, government, business and church leaders?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
August 27, 2017 (Sun)- Is 22:19-23/Ps 138:1-3, 6, 8/Rom 11:33-36/Mt 16:13-20
August 28, 2017(Mon)- 1Thes 1:14-5, 8-10/Ps 149:1-6, 9/Mt 23:13-22
August 29, 2017(Tues)- 1Thes 2:1-8/Ps 139:1-3, 4-6, /Mk 6:17-29
August 30, 2017(Wed)- 1Thes 2:9-13/Ps 139:7-12/Mt 23:27-32
August 31, 2017 (Thur)- 1Thes 3:7-13/Ps90:3-5, 12, 13, 14, 17/Mt 24:42-51
September 1, 2017 (Fri)-1Thes 4:1-8/Ps 97:1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 12/Mt 25:1-13
September 2, 2017(Sat)-1Thes 4:9-11/Ps 98:1, 7-9/Mt 25:14-30
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
