INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS ACROSS THE GROUPS
SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2026.
21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A.
FIRST READING: Isaiah 22:19-23
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Psalm 137(138):1-3,6,8.
SECOND READING: Romans 11:33-36
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Matthew 16:18
GOSPEL: Matthew 16:13-20
OKOLO CHIGOZIE HENRY
My reflection is coming from the first reading. The Lord sent prophet Isaiah to go and warn Shebna. This warning came after Shebna felt so important of himself, by carving a tomb for himself out of a rocky hillside.
God detest PRIDE and DISOBEDIENCE. GOD will throw Shebna away for being a disgrace. God will hand over the key of authority to Eliakim son of Hilkiah .
This message is telling us that nothing should come before God, not even us, affluence, influence or ambition. We should place God above every thing.
Happy Saturday.
JOY NNEOMA UDEH
The Gospel reminds us that knowing Jesus goes beyond what other people say about Him. Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter boldly answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Peter’s answer came from his faith and from God’s revelation. Jesus then gave Peter a special responsibility, telling him that he would be the rock on which His Church would be built.
For me, the question Jesus asked Peter is also a question for each of us: Who is Jesus to us? Is He simply someone we hear about in church, or is He truly our Lord, our Saviour and the one we trust with our life?
God can work through ordinary people. Peter was not perfect, but Jesus still chose him and entrusted him with an important mission.
Sometimes, we may feel unqualified or unworthy, but God does not always choose the perfect; He chooses people who are willing to trust Him and follow His call.
May we come to know Jesus more deeply, trust Him more completely, and have the courage to profess our faith in Him, just as Peter did. Amen.
USHIE PASCHAL
From the gospel reading of Jesus asking His disciples 'who do people say I am?', Christ wanted to know what they are hearing from outside and what they themselves think about Him. I will say Jesus was having a moment of truth or retreat with His disciples, of which they all said different things and it was linked to great prophets who spoke the truth to power , who didn't care if their lives were at stakes. And then, Peter said 'You are the Messiah or saviour'. Christ said to Peter 'You have said the right thing but it's not flesh or blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven'.
God is Great and He can use anyone to pass His massage. God knew Peter was a sinner and He still used him to reveal the truth, just like the first reading where God told Sheba 'I will bring my servant Eliakim and robe him with your best outfit. He can do what He feel like and no one can stop Him.'
Who people say you are matters a lot , can someone vouch for you? We live our lives as if people aren't watching, we do what we like without thinking of the consequences, then if tomorrow nobody vouches for us, we say the world is wicked. We should try and be there for people not because we want it in return but because that's what a true religion is asking of.
Don't stain your name because people won't forget how you made them feel especially in the wrong way. Live a life where people can say 'that man or woman is a God-sent'. If Christ was living a reckless life, I don't think Christianity will stand today. If you check very well, it's because we are Christians and we follow Christ, that's why the world looks safer.
'Whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven.' Many times, we ask 'is it in the Bible?'. This should clear the air of those asking such questions. As long as it is a good thing we agreed on, then heaven has stamped it . Some said Christmas is a pagan tradition. The question is 'are we celebrating any pagan gods or are we celebrating the birth of Jesus our saviour?'. Since it was agreed, heaven stamped it because it's a good thing. Each time we agree on something good either in the family or community or church, just know heaven is happy with it.
The second reading tells us that God's ways are not our ways, we can never know His mind. The word of God tells us that God's foolishness is wiser than human knowledge. When you want to start bragging, just know you are only dust, that's the more reason why we have to worship HIM because He is the alpha and omega, no one can advice Him. Therefore, keep working with God because God is reality.
In the first reading, Shebna was acting up, and God almighty told him 'I will bring you down from your position and give it to a servant I love'. That's who He is , if you live on pride, God will humble you because He is your creator. You see how God can raise or use anyone He likes. The beauty of God is immeasurable, something you can't understand. God said 'I will make Eliakim great and give him the keys to the throne'. You can only complain but there is nothing you can do because the mighty one has spoken and if you try to fight it, then you know how it will end . When placed on a throne, please learn to show people love , don't let it enter your head , be available and approachable . Listen to their complaints and God will give you wisdom to run it .
'Who do people say I am?' should be our reflection each day, as long as you are doing good and you don't live a double standard life even if people say you are bad, God will surely raise people that will speak the truth about you.
JANEFRANCESS UDEH
MY REFLECTION
The Gospel reading is a reminder to us that knowing Jesus is not just about what others say about Him, but about having a personal encounter and relationship with Him. Peter’s answer, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” came from a place of faith and God's revelation.
Jesus chose Peter, despite his weaknesses, and entrusted him with a great responsibility. This shows that God does not look for perfect people; He chooses those who are willing to trust Him and serve His purpose.
May we always seek to know Christ deeply, profess our faith boldly, and allow Him to build His Church through our lives. Just like Peter, may we become instruments of God’s love, truth, and mercy in the world.
©️ *Janefrances Regina Udeh*
My reflection will be centered on the question of Jesus to His Apostles “But you, who do you say I am”?
Ultimately, "who do you say I am " is not a question answered once in a lifetime, but one answered continuously through how we trust, how we love, how we obey, and how we live our daily lives.
This moment in Mathew 16 marks a profound shift from public opinion to deeply personal conviction.
With this question, Jesus is saying to His Apostles and all of us, *I don't just want to know what you have heard about me; I want to know who I am to you*
This question serves as a mirror asking us where our faith truly lives.
It challenges us to move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him.
No matter how much of the word of God I know, it cannot replace the quiet, personal answer of my own heart.
The world around us constantly offers its own definitions, noise, and opinions.
Jesus' question forces moment of silence where we must decide if our convictions are grounded in our own lived experience with Him, rather than the shifting cultural currents.
At its core, this question is an invitation to intimacy with Jesus.
By this question, He opens the door for us to discover who we are in Him.
Peter's declaration was immediately followed by Jesus giving Peter his true identity and mission.
When we truly recognize who Christ is, we finally understand our own calling and purpose.
In our daily lives, may we continue to respond to this question through deep faith, trust, love and obedience, through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏
MY REFLECTION
The Second reading reminds me of the solemn words (Through him, with him, and in him…) proclaimed during the consecration at Mass. Who among us can bargain with the mercy and grace of God?
Brethren, everything we offer Him was already His to begin with; grace is a free, unmerited gift rather than a transaction.
The Second reading also teaches me that, God's wisdom is far above human understanding. No matter our gifts, talents, or efforts, we can never repay Him. We can only receive His goodness with open, grateful hearts.
*N:B*: The precepts of the Lord are right, and it gladdens the heart. ✨
May the Lord bless his words in our heart.
