August 23, 2026
Revised Common Lectionary
Exodus 1:8-2:10 or Isaiah 51:1-6
Psalm 124 or Psalm 138
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8 (8bc)
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20
There sure are a lot of home renovation programs on TV these days. Frequently they begin by showing a house that has fallen into disrepair or has been abused over time, and then continue by following the process to rethink it, reclaim it, and turn it into something completely new.
Along the way to house beautiful, designers and contractors often encounter serious obstacles. One of the most difficult and expensive of these problems is a sinking foundation. Even if the rest of the home is in good condition, the entire building is in danger if the foundation is unstable.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus speaks about building his church on a solid foundation. He first questions the disciples about his identity: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is? . . . But who do you say that I am?” (Mt 16:13,15) Simon Peter, who had only recently begun sinking into the water when his faith began to waver, blurts out one of the most powerful confessions of faith found anywhere in the New Testament: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16).
Here, Jesus declares, is that solid foundation on which his church will be built: “I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). For many centuries now, Christians have argued about the meaning of this verse. How does Jesus’s designation of Peter as the “rock” extend into the unfolding development of the church, its ministries, and leadership? This is a difficult and important question for Christians seeking unity, but here I would like to focus on some other crucial lessons that flow from today’s Gospel reading.
First, this story suggests that we need the church. Connection to the larger community of disciples is integral to embracing the gospel message. In a time when an increasing number of people identify as “nones,” Jesus’s statement about building his church on rock reminds us that we can live out our calling only in relation to others who profess a common faith in Christ. We are called to discipleship not in isolation but as part of a flesh-and-blood community of believers.
Second, the church is built on a shared faith that Jesus Christ is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). In order to attract new members, many churches have turned to marketing techniques and introduced new features such as coffee bars and yoga classes. There’s nothing wrong with any of these, of course, but everything that the church does must be understood in relation to its central mission: to proclaim the good news of Christ. The church is more than a club or a social group; it is a community rooted in faith.
Third, the church belongs to Christ. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells Peter that he is “rock,” and “on this rock I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). We are not the creators of the church, but rather its building materials, the “living stones” that are “built into a spiritual house” (1 Pt 2:5). It is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone” (Eph 2:20). Pope John XXIII, who served as leader of the Roman Catholic Church for just five years (1958-1963), is said to have concluded each day with this brief prayer: “It’s your Church, God. I’m going to bed.”
Finally, we can draw both perspective and comfort from the designation of Peter, who frequently missed the mark in his call to be a follower of Jesus, as the “rock.” In the very next passage of Matthew’s Gospel, Peter will take offense when Jesus tells the disciples that he will suffer, die, and be raised again. Jesus rebukes him sternly, calling him “Satan” and a “hindrance” (Mt 16:23). In this house of living stones, both leaders and members are human, weak, and imperfect. We draw our strength and our life from Christ the cornerstone.
A Hymn for Today: “Come, great God of all the ages”
This hymn was written in 1987 for the cornerstone campaign of the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., by Mary Jackson Cathey. A member and elder of that congregation, Cathey has published other hymns and has won hymnwriting competitions sponsored by The Hymn Society.
This text is a prayer for the church as it is built on the “sure foundation, cornerstone” of Christ and as it lives out in faith its mission in the world. It has been published in four hymnals, all of which pair it with Cyril V. Taylor’s tune, ABBOT’S LEIGH. Listen here.
Come, great God of all the ages;
make your earthly mission known;
speak through every deed and person;
let your way and will be shown.
Guide the church to true commitment;
give direction now, we ask;
fit us for the work of building;
dedicate us to the task.
Come, Christ Jesus, flesh and spirit,
sure foundation, cornerstone;
help us form the church eternal;
may your vision be our own.
Send a message to each follower;
lead all people to your way;
urge us to strong faith and action
as we build the church today.
Come, great Spirit in and with us,
tune our ears to hear your call;
through the moving of your presence,
let redeeming love recall
ministry in dedication,
love embodied in our deeds;
challenge us to do your bidding,
see your purpose fill all needs.
Come, O come, in celebration,
household of the one true God;
in commitment and rejoicing
let us go where Christ has trod;
as we act in faith and reverence,
let us, Lord, the future see;
place us in the church triumphant,
now and for eternity.
Text: Mary Jackson Cathey, b. 1926. © 1990, Hope Publishing Company. Used by permission under OneLicense #A-729857
Tune: ABBOT’S LEIGH
Image credit: Symbols of Peter, stained glass, St. Peter’s Church, Babraham, UK, John Piper, 1903-1992
“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon, FHS. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.
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