With Sharee Thomas 

It is important to read this Sunday’s and next week’s Gospel as two parts of a single story. These readings are a turning point in Matthew’s Gospel. 

In the Gospel on Sunday, Jesus asks his disciples what people are saying about his identity. The disciples indicate that most people believe that Jesus is a prophet of Israel. Then Jesus asks his disciples who they believe that he is. Simon Peter answers, identifying Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God.

Jesus commends Simon Peter for this profession of faith, indicating that this insight has come from God. Because of Simon Peter’s response, Jesus calls him the "rock" upon which Jesus will build the Church. This is a word play on the name Peter, which is the Greek word for "rock." Peter is then given special authority by Jesus, a symbolic key to the Kingdom of Heaven. Peter will play an important role in the early Christian community as a spokesperson and a leader.

In the Gospel, Peter’s recognition of Jesus’ identity is credited to a revelation by God. This will contrast sharply with Jesus’ rebuke of Peter in next week’s Gospel. When Peter rejects Jesus’ prediction of his passion and death, Peter is said to no longer be thinking as God does but as humans do.

The use of the term church in today’s Gospel is one of only three such occurrences in Matthew’s Gospel. Peter in this Gospel is being credited as the foundation for the Church, a privilege granted to him because of his recognition of Jesus’ identity. The Church continues to be grounded in the faith that Jesus Christ is Lord.

This week as a family talk about a time when you have been an example of 'living like Jesus' to others. 

SACRAMENTS

ALL FAMILIES who wish for their child to receive  the Sacrament of Confirmation MUST register their child via the QkR! App. Registrations for  Confirmation close TOMORROW -Friday 21st August. 

The key dates for this Sacraments are below. Due to Covid-19 we are restricted to immediate family and your child's sponsor only attending. On the QkR! form if you are unsure of who your child's sponsor is OR they have not yet chosen their Saint, please just write TBA, it is more vital that you register than have all the details. 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me here at school.

CONFIRMATION

Have a great week!