Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 7, 2025

Date: Thursday of the 18^th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Matthew 16:13-23

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. 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. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord!  No such thing shall ever happen to you.” 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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ questioning the disciples about who people say He is. Jesus then goes on to ask them who the disciples believe He is. Jesus responds to Peter’s answer by telling Simon that he is “rock” or Peter and upon him Christ would build His church.

But Jesus’ next interaction with Peter is not so positive when Peter pushes back on Jesus’ sharing His coming crucifixion.  Jesus reminds Peter, in his response, “You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Who do I say Jesus is? What does it matter? How would others know my answer?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, we turn to You this day full of love and thanksgiving for your life among us, your sacrifice for us, your promise to us to remain with us. Send your Spirit to stir within our hearts so that we might open them more fully to You and to “the Way” You set before us through teaching and through example. Grant that we may live as your true disciples, followers on “the Way” to the glory of the Father. Amen.