💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 8 💖

First Reading - Jeremiah 31:31-34

Gospel - Matthew 16:13-23

We have leaders in the Church who guide and direct the faithful. The role of leadership in the Church is vital for guidance. The readings of the day warn that leadership must be attuned to the will of God, or else it may lead others astray. This means that leaders must guide people according to God's will and give Him glory for their success.

The first reading recalls the consistent failure of the people of Israel to keep the covenant made by God with them. Jeremiah reassures the people that out of His goodness, God is going to re-write the covenant in the hearts of everyone. The old Sinai covenant has been repeatedly broken by the people, but the establishment of a new covenant will be different as this covenant will be made with every individual. This new covenant will be open to everyone, emphasizing an individual commitment to the Lord, written on human hearts. It reminds us of our individual responsibility to God.

The gospel recounts a beautiful account of Jesus revealing himself to his disciples. Jesus began with the question: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" and then "Who do you say I am?" The first question leads to a personal answer about who Jesus is for everyone. Peter answers correctly, and Jesus appoints him as his successor on earth. However, shortly after this exaltation, Peter's elation collapses with a rebuke from Jesus. Though Jesus appointed Peter as his successor, Peter was required to accept the will of God. Hearing about Jesus' passion and death, Peter got troubled and, taking Jesus aside, tried to take control of the situation. A rebuke from Jesus brought him to the realization that God's plan must take place.

Dear friends, we are leaders in the Church. Our leadership role may be directly associated with the Church or indirectly related, such as educators in educational institutes, pastors in parishes, formators in formation houses, or lay men and women guiding and leading others. Any role we play in guiding and directing others makes us leaders in the Church. Our leadership becomes effective and appealing to God as long as we seek His will. However, our role as leaders becomes a deviation when we try to lead and guide others according to our will rather than God's way. Peter beautifully unfolds the identity of Jesus but later tries to prevent Jesus from carrying out God's will, imposing his will on Him, resulting in a rebuke from Jesus. When we manipulate our responsibilities according to our whims and fancies, without seeking God's way, we also stand as failures before God. Let's carry out our leadership roles not according to our whims or for our self-glory but according to God's will, giving glory to God for every good work He does through us. Let's also remember that we are responsible to God for our actions.

May God help us shoulder our roles as leaders, seeking His will and His glory in all that we do.