Key takeaways from Deacon Maurice's sermon (centered on Matthew 16:13-20):Deacon Maurice’s sermon reflects on Jesus’ words, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” He presents this as a central teaching of the Catholic Church, emphasizing that the Church is a sign of God’s love and care for humanity. Jesus entrusted the “keys” to Peter, and that authority has continued through the succession of popes over the past 2,000 years. Built on this rock, the Church endures, and neither Hades nor death will prevail against it.
Key takeaways from Bishop Barron's sermon (centered on Matthew 16:13-20):Bishop Barron’s sermon focuses on Jesus’ question to the disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” He explains that Christianity is centred not only on Jesus’ teachings, but on His identity. Unlike other religious figures, Jesus makes His own identity the key question. Peter’s answer, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”, becomes the foundation of the Church’s mission. Bishop Barron argues that the Church is not built on public opinion or elite consensus, but on this revealed truth entrusted to Peter and his successors. He also reflects on the Church’s “Simon” side, flawed, weak, and scandal-prone, and its “Peter” side, enduring, faithful, and rooted in Christ. The sermon ends by challenging each listener to personally answer Jesus’ question.
Additional Discussion Questions:
1.Bishop Barron says people today still have many different opinions about Jesus: teacher, prophet, moral example, spiritual guide. Which of these views do you hear most often today?
2.Fulton Sheen’s image of “Simon” and “Peter” shows both the weak and strong sides of the Church. Where do you see the “Simon side” of the Church? Where do you see the “Peter side”?
3.How do we stay faithful when we see weakness, failure, or scandal in the Church?
