Good morning. In starting this reflection I managed to stumble across the one I wrote at this time last year and will admit I started later than I normally do. Not that the readings were particularly controversial or challenging as some can be. But more so because there seemed to be a number of different messages, good messages, and I was trying to connect them to the Gospel and the current day to day ups and downs that swirl around in my head.
One of the things that struck me about last week’s sermon from Reverend Ryan was the opposing theological interpretations of the Gospel that were brought forth. It made me wonder about the interpretations of this week’s reading and for the first time I googled theological interpretation of Matthew 16:13-20. I am still avoiding the use of Claude, ChatGPT and all that so yes I just googled. And not surprisingly there were several references and interesting publications that I read through.
There was one by Dr. Mitzi J Smith, a Professor of the New Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia that I found particularly insightful which I linked (in the text below).*
It starts with a statement, “How we identify Jesus will impact the way we interact with one another and with the earth.” In the Gospel reading Jesus asks his disciples what other people are saying about “the son of Man” and they respond with what they have heard. Relaying other people’s interpretation. When Jesus pointedly asked though what people were saying about him, it was only Simon Peter who answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” For Peter, he was not affirming what others were saying, however identifying for himself through his faith what he knew to be true. In that the foundation of the church was laid. Yet I was initially confused as to why Jesus ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
What we know now, after the fact, is that the disciples’ lives and their messages after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection will build the church. Dr. Smith’s commentary goes on to note, “ Their lives will speak louder, more truthfully, and more effectively than their words.”
There are other articles that also tie this Gospel to confessing Christ’s existence as the Son of God on an individual level. Faith is an individual choice, it is something that can be enhanced with a community and with regular study, however at the end of the day it starts with each of us, in our own hearts and minds.
It is in our own minds and words that we identify with Jesus and the teachings. It is the belief and the faith that we are a part of something greater and there is a creator who sent Jesus as a redeemer. It all starts with each of us before it can become anything greater.
This reminds me of the common phrase, “think before you speak,” because the words that are spoken out loud begin to define who you are. Your thoughts are the start, your beliefs echoed in the words you speak and in the actions taken because of them.
In a moment of absolute frustration I remember saying out loud, “You are lucky I am a woman of God.” Truthfully I needed to hear that more than anyone else listening. I needed to remember that despite the situation, I had to pause, breathe, pray and move on. It is the declaration that I am a child of God, that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, that I believe the importance of the commandment to love others as I do myself and God.
It is what brings me here on Sundays whether in person or through Zoom, to worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. To listen to the teachings and let the life I live be the story of my faith. We have this life, these frail bodies, this opportunity to know God and to use the gifts we have to show God’s love.
Part of why I think it took me a bit to get started this week was recognizing I was a little tired. It has been a hectic summer, as usual, as I try to close out the fiscal year at work and as we get the schools ready to start again. A few weeks ago, at our team retreat, we were asked to reflect on what our educational superpowers were and what shapes us as educational leaders. I chose the image of Lady Justice and the balance scales to reflect my educational superpower in part because in my day to day work I am responsible for balancing our budget however I believe that justice can be done when the work I support is rooted in ensuring equitable opportunities for our students.
Being able to voice that with my team and hearing how they use their abilities to support our schools further developed our commitment towards a high quality education for all of our students. Yet for each of us, we came to education because of our own path and recognition and through that we are able to come together to do something more.
In the same way we each have our own relationship with faith and with God and we voice our commitment to it together as we affirm our faith. And that faith manifests in our day to day in different ways. Through our bodies and our existence we have this opportunity to know God and live a life that honors the gifts given to us. In identifying Jesus as our Savior and God’s love, we are able to build a life that honors that.
To show others kindness and compassion. To be able to care for those in need. To open our doors to the community and provide a safe space. A space for talents to develop and grow. Where musical instruments become ministry.
We were blessed with knowing God each of us, and in that we share God’s love through our care for each other. I cannot imagine a greater calling than to be loved by God and share that love by being the best version of myself I can be, each day through my faults and my educational superpowers in a life that honors loving others as I do God.
Amen.
