Catholic liturgy focuses on Peter's confession and identity of Jesus

During the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, various religious reflections and liturgical readings focus on the biblical account of Jesus questioning his disciples in Caesarea Philippi regarding his identity. The central theme revolves around the question, “Who do you say that I am?”, highlighting the confession of Saint Peter as the foundation of the Church.

Pope Leo XIV has emphasized that faith should not be a mere custom or a theoretical notion, but a personal and living relationship with Christ. He urged believers to avoid being enclosed in religious certainties and instead remain open to an authentic connection with the divine.

Liturgical readings from the Book of Isaiah, the Psalms, and the Letters of Saint Paul complement the Gospel of Matthew. These texts explore themes of divine authority, the humility of those chosen by God, and the profound wisdom of God’s ways. The narratives often contrast human understanding with divine revelation, specifically through the imagery of the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven being entrusted to Peter.