Who do you say that I am?
This Sunday’s readings draw us into one of the most decisive moments in the Gospel — a moment where identity, trust, and mission come together. God entrusts real responsibility to real people, not because they are flawless, but because He chooses to work through them. And He asks each of us the same question He asked Peter: “Who do YOU say that I am?”
Isaiah (22:19-23): A Peg Firmly in Place
In Isaiah, Shebna — a leader who misused his authority — is removed. Eliakim is chosen instead, described as “a peg driven firmly in place.” God raises someone trustworthy, someone others can lean on.
In today’s world, where leadership often feels unstable and trust is fragile, this passage reminds us that God continues to raise steady, faithful people. He calls each of us to be that “peg firmly in place” in our families, workplaces, and communities.
Romans (11:33-36): God’s Wisdom Beyond Our Understanding
Paul’s hymn of praise in Romans lifts us beyond the noise and chaos of daily life. He reminds us that God’s wisdom is deeper than our confusion, and greater than our limitations.
We live in a time of information overload — opinions everywhere, certainty nowhere. Paul invites us to humility: we don’t need to understand everything; we need to trust the One who does.
Matthew (16:13-20): “Who Do You Say That I Am?”
In the Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples what others say about Him. But then He turns the question directly toward them — and toward us:
“But who do YOU say that I am?”
Peter answers with bold faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus entrusts him with leadership.
Peter is not perfect. He will misunderstand Jesus, falter, and even deny Him. Yet Jesus still chooses him. This is the heart of discipleship: God entrusts His mission to imperfect people who are willing to say yes.
When Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” He is inviting a personal response of faith from Peter and from us.
Who Do You Say That I Am — Today
These readings speak powerfully into our world:
- We long for trustworthy leadership
- We struggle with uncertainties
- We search for identity
- We desire stability
- We want our lives to matter
God’s message is clear:
He chooses ordinary people for extraordinary work.
His wisdom is deeper than the chaos that surrounds us.
In our modern cities and homes, Christ’s question still echoes. Every act of compassion, every moment of integrity, every choice to serve rather than be served becomes our living answer to Him. Faith today is not abstract; it is deeply practical. It shapes how we treat the poor, how we listen to the lonely, how we forgive, and how we carry hope into places that feel hopeless. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” He is inviting us to respond not only with words, but with the witness of our lives. In every generation, Jesus asks us again: Who do you say that I am? Our answer shapes how we live, how we love, and how we bring hope into the world. May we all respond as did Peter: You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
For another reflection on God’s presence, see my post “3 Signs of God’s Abundant Love in Our World Today.”
3 Signs of God’s Abundant Love in Our World Today
Read the full Sunday readings on the CCCB site, ‘Daily Readings’ tab
First reading of Sunday August 23, 2026 – Living with Christ
