First Reading - Numbers 20:1-13
Gospel - Matthew 16:13-23
In the Gospel, we witness a dramatic moment in Jesus’ ministry. Peter, speaking on behalf of the disciples, confesses with boldness and clarity, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is no mere human insight—Jesus affirms that this revelation comes from the Father Himself. And in that moment, Peter is lifted up: he is called “blessed,” named the rock on which the Church will be built, entrusted with the keys of the Kingdom.
But almost immediately after this high point, Peter falters. When Jesus speaks of His coming suffering and death, Peter takes Him aside and rebukes Him. Jesus responds with words that cut to the heart: “Get behind me, Satan!” In trying to protect Jesus from the cross, Peter unknowingly opposes God’s plan of salvation. The one who had just spoken divine truth now speaks human fear. He sees the glory but cannot yet accept the path that leads to it.
The first reading offers a striking parallel. The people of Israel, thirsty and frustrated in the wilderness, quarrel with Moses and Aaron. God commands Moses to speak to the rock so that water may flow. But instead, Moses strikes the rock twice. Though the water flows, God tells Moses that because he did not trust enough to uphold God's holiness before the people, he will not lead them into the promised land.
Like Peter, Moses is a chosen servant of God. But even the greatest leaders of faith can fall into the temptation of relying on their own strength, acting out of frustration rather than trust. Moses failed to reflect God’s holiness; Peter failed to accept God's mysterious plan. Both remind us that God’s ways often defy our expectations, and that faith means surrendering even our best intentions to God’s greater wisdom.
These readings challenge us to consider: Are we willing to let God be God—even when His path is not what we would choose? Can we confess Christ not only with our lips but also by embracing the way of the cross, the way of humility, of trust, of self-giving love?
God doesn’t seek perfect followers, but faithful ones—those who keep turning back to Him even when they stumble. Peter, though rebuked, would go on to grow into the role Christ gave him. Moses, though disciplined, remained a servant of the Lord to the end.
Let us ask for hearts that are teachable, trust that is deep, and courage to follow Christ not only in moments of glory but also through the mystery of the cross.
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