The Gospel sets forth the biblical basis for the papacy.
Sunday, Aug. 23, is the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Isaiah 22:19-23; Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20.
The Gospel sets forth the biblical basis for the papacy, for Peter’s successors are the popes.
“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?’”
The assertions of the crowd are wrong.
Then Jesus asks the Twelve, “Who do you say that I am?”
Peter speaks.
“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.’”
We are taught here not merely that Peter spoke what was true, but also how he came to know the truth: God the Father revealed it to him. There is a kind of anointing at
