21st Sunday of Ordinary Time

August 25, 2002

In the first reading, Isaiah bears bad news to the soon to be deposed chief of staff, Sebna. His role is to control access to the King , and by thus doing, he also controls the king's access to advisors. But he has made one large mistake. He involves King Hezekiah in a face off with Assyria, by aligning himself with Egypt. Isaiah is anxious that Israel not bargain away its soul to save its country.

When Jesus asks Peter who they say and who you say I am, He is asking Peter where his own soul is. He is asking Peter to find personal meaning and leadership in relationship to Jesus. In the same way this is the most important question in your life. The answer is not just a catechism answer. It is not just what others say about Jesus which leads to faith. It is personal relationship. It is not merely information but it is transformation. This demands a willingness to be open to risk -- to be willing to step out of the boat.

It is this trust, this humanity of Peter, on which Jesus chooses to build His church. Surely by modern job descriptions, Peter would likely not have gotten the job. Surely a more spiritual man like John, or one with administrative responsibility like Matthew or even Judas might have been a more logical choice. But all four gospel accounts record Peter's profession of faith. As the embodiment of faith, Jesus delegates Peter as the helmsman. And over the centuries, the church has weathered many storms with the fisherman at the helm. We too must profess the faith of that simple fisherman if we are not to be flung out to sea.

The Church will not be flung out to sea unless it leaders and people choose not to draw life from the power of the gospel. The church must have her mast fixed like a center pole in confession and adherence to Jesus as Messiah and Son of God. And this is not the teaching of any man but revelation direct from the Father. It is the gift of the Holy Spirit -- the Holy Wind.

Unless the church keeps the gospel as her soul, she will not be recognized as the assembly of people of faith but as a club; and what we don't need is another club. Many say today: "I believe in God; but I don't need the church. But faith comes through the church, through the baptismal font, through water and the Holy Spirit –through membership – team membership -- through co-operation with-the captain.

The captain may not be perfect. (Dennis Conner lost the America's cup but we can presume he tried -- his team tried.) Peter was willing to try—not ashamed to sink like a rock – not afraid to look foolish in front of his peers. What about you? Who do you say that Jesus is before your peers? Don't be afraid. Climb in the boat with Peter at the helm.