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Gospel Reading for August 23, 2026 – Matthew 16: 13-20
ALWAYS PREVAIL OVER EVIL
Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
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The Catholic Church has existed as a distinct institution for about 1,993 years.
Its journey has not been smooth sailing. The early Christians endured severe persecution, torture, and death under the Roman emperors. The Church was later divided into two major branches—the Western (Catholic) Church and the Eastern (Orthodox) Church—because of theological and political disagreements. Then came the Protestant Reformation, which arose in protest against corruption and certain Church teachings. There was also the period when the Papacy was moved from Rome to France, creating great confusion as multiple men claimed to be the true Pope at the same time. The Crusades, fought to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control, brought immense violence and suffering. Later, the Inquisition established Church courts to identify and punish those who taught ideas contrary to Catholic beliefs, often through harsh methods.
Jesus could have simply left the apostles to do what they thought was right on their own. He did not have to establish the Church. Yet he chose to do so, ensuring that his work of salvation would continue and flourish until the end of time by entrusting Peter (who himself was imperfect), the first Pope, with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Despite everything that has happened throughout history, and despite the challenges the Church continues to face today, Jesus assures us in today’s Gospel that the Church will remain strong and will ALWAYS PREVAIL OVER EVIL.
Lord Jesus, we claim your eternal victory over sin. We believe that the gates of the netherworld shall never prevail against your Church. Help us always to live in the light of your Holy Spirit for as long as we live. Amen.
