The Gospel for this Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost tells of Peter's confession of faith at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13-20). This passage includes several themes: Christ's identity, Peter's role, Christian faith, and the Church. The central themes are who Jesus is and faith in Him. Although Jesus has many titles and fulfilled many roles, His basic identity can be summed up in the words of Matthew16:16. He is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." This is a foundational affirmation of faith, a necessary belief for all Christians. In Scripture, faith that Jesus is both the Messiah/Christ and the Son of God is basic.
Another theme in the passage is the enduring character of the Church. The Church built on faith in Jesus Christ experiences many problems in this world. Problems within the Church and attacks on the Christian community from outside have been common and continue. Yet the true Church founded on the Gospel survives and will survive. As Jesus promises in Matthew 16:18, "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Corruption, opposition, and persecution are perennial issues, but a faithful Christian remnant persists and will continue. Jesus Christ has overcome evil in many ways, especially through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. He promises that those who have faith in Him will share in His victory. So let us remain steadfast in confessing the biblical Christian faith!
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