The top photo showing a stained glass image of Jesus washing Peter’s feet is found in St. George Church, Titusville. Peter was eventually given the keys to the Kingdom by the Lord, going on to become the first Pope of the Church. Monitor file photo
Gospel reflection for Aug. 30, 2026, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
After having been handed the keys to the Kingdom, there is no doubt that Simon, then to be called Peter, had a view of the Kingdom that was at odds with what Jesus had been preaching. Now, as Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for the reason they will sojourn to Jerusalem – his Passion and Death – Peter is confused and spontaneously voices his objection. He is immediately repudiated. Jeremiah felt much the same way as Peter as he struggled with God in trying to understand the mission that the Lord had given to him. Peter will come to see that what he thought was an honor, will come at a great cost.
Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem. He is fully aware of why they are taking this journey, but the disciples are unclear. It is likely that they have made this trek before, as Jesus is well acquainted with people there – notably Martha and Mary – but this time it is different. The great pilgrimage feast of Pesach approaches, and Jesus knows what must happen then.
There are three distinct moments in the Gospel account where Jesus speaks of his pending arrest and Death to the disciples, and each time they do not grasp the import of what he is saying to them.
Having confessed that he understands that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Simon Peter articulated what many of the others may have come to believe but were hesitant to speak aloud. Perhaps the disciples had whispered this to one another in those quiet moments when Jesus was out of earshot, wondering if the others had the same thoughts.
It is one thing to make the profession of faith, it is another to understand it. This is not an uncommon human experience, and certainly true as we profess our own religious faith.
We all experience those moments in our lives when we think we have it all figured out, only to discover that we have so much more to learn and do. Peter thought he had it, he professed Jesus as Lord and received the keys to the kingdom. Jesus was going to enter Jerusalem, be crowned as King of the Jews, and then Peter would one day receive the crown himself.
He was not ready to hear that the crown was a crown of thorns, the throne a Roman gibbet, and that indeed he himself, unworthy as he was, would also take his place on that same throne.
When the Lord hands us the keys that he wants us to have, it always comes at some cost. Whether that is a religious or priestly vocation, a position of power and influence, a sacramental marriage, children, or whatever calling we may receive, it always comes at a cost.
We experience our own doubts, sneering skeptics and the sufferings that come with living, and especially as living a life of discipleship.
As much as we might like to put those behind us, we must face them, accept them as part of the journey, and keep our faith on rock and not sandy ground.
Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.